Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed Senate Bill 1134 on Wednesday in Jacksonville, extending the state's crackdown on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs to local governments.

The measure prohibits counties and municipalities from funding, promoting or taking official action related to DEI. It bans establishing or maintaining DEI offices, officers or programs and blocks taxpayer money for such initiatives or third-party contractors advancing them. Grant recipients must certify that public funds will not support DEI efforts.

Local governments cannot manipulate employee composition based on race, color, sex, ethnicity, gender identity or sexual orientation beyond state and federal anti-discrimination laws. The bill voids existing ordinances, resolutions, rules or policies promoting preferential treatment, special benefits or diversity training tied to these factors. DEI officers cannot hold those roles after December 31, 2026.

Violations carry penalties. Officials committing misfeasance or malfeasance in office face potential removal, and residents can sue local governments for discrimination. The law takes effect January 1, 2027.

DeSantis described DEI as an "ideological construct" that discriminates, particularly against white males. "The disfavored groups, No. 1, obviously, would be white males, and I think they've been discriminated against," he said. He called local DEI spending a "total scam" with officials earning "obscene" salaries and affirmed Florida as the place "where woke goes to die."

Republican sponsors Sen. Clay Yarborough and Rep. Dean Black, both from Jacksonville, backed the bill to prioritize merit over division. Yarborough argued DEI promoters profit while burdening taxpayers amid economic pressures.

The signing advances Florida's years-long effort against DEI. DeSantis' administration previously banned such programs in public universities and enacted the "Stop WOKE Act" limiting race and sex discussions in schools. During the 2026 legislative session, the bill passed on party lines after House and Senate approval in March.

Democrats criticized the measure as overbroad and potentially unconstitutional, warning it could hinder minority business programs or holiday recognitions like Juneteenth, though the bill explicitly allows those. Gainesville NAACP President Evelyn Foxx called DeSantis "out of touch."

DeSantis signed the bill alongside HB 1217, prohibiting local net-zero emissions mandates and carbon taxes to shield residents from added costs.

Local governments now face decisions on reallocating resources from DEI roles and programs before the deadline.