ACLU of Florida Warns that HB 1101/SB 1134 Could Strip Local Government of Tools to Support Marginalized Communities

TALLAHASSEE, FL (February 6, 2026) — This week, HB 1101 and its Senate companion SB 1134 have both advanced in the Florida Legislature. Together, these bills would void local ordinances and resolutions related to diversity, equity, and inclusion and prohibit public funding for initiatives that help communities identify and address barriers to opportunity.

Kara Gross, Interim Political Director of the ACLU of Florida, shared the following statement:

“HB 1101 and SB 1134 are part of a coordinated campaign to erase diversity from public life by stripping local communities of the ability to confront discrimination, respond to community needs, and build inclusive and supportive workplaces and institutions that reflect the people they serve.

 

These bills are designed to prevent local communities from governing with compassion and empathy for Florida’s vulnerable populations. They prohibit local governments from recognizing disparities, educating communities, addressing barriers, and serving every resident with dignity. Instead, these bills would punish local leaders for acknowledging and managing inequities that may exist in their communities.

 

This legislation is the state using its power to shut down progress and silence local governments. These overly-broad bills seek to prevent any trainings, programs, or activities referencing “race, color, sex, ethnicity, gender identity, or sexual orientation.” Floridians should be deeply concerned when the Legislature moves to silence local governments and restrict their ability to govern in a manner that’s reflective of the communities they serve.”