ACLU of Florida Warns SB 1134 Would Strip Local Government of Power and Tools to Remedy Hostile Environments Caused by Discrimination, Bias, and Exclusion

TALLAHASSEE, FL – Yesterday, SB 1134 advanced in the Florida Legislature, passing the Senate Rules Committee. It now heads to the Senate floor. This bill poses a serious threat to local governance across the state. If enacted, this bill would void local ordinances and resolutions related to diversity, equity, and inclusion, prohibit public funding for initiatives that address barriers to opportunity, and further entrench the governor’s expanded use of executive power to remove duly elected local officials.

Florida governors have constitutional authority to suspend certain local officials for malfeasance, neglect of duty, or incompetence — a power reaffirmed in the 1968 Constitution. Historically, this authority has been used sparingly and primarily in cases involving criminal or serious misconduct. This power was not intended as a political weapon or a tool to override policy disagreements.

SB 1134, and its House companion bill (HB 1101), would be a dangerous and dramatic expansion of the governor’s authority to remove elected officials who are addressing the needs of their constituents.

Bacardi Jackson, Executive Director of the ACLU of Florida, shared the following statement:

“SB 1134 is an extraordinary and dangerous expansion of state power designed to silence local communities and concentrate control in the executive branch.

“For more than a century, Florida’s constitutional suspension authority has been reserved for serious wrongdoing – not political retaliation. Governors have not typically used this power to punish local officials over policy disagreements. SB 1134 dangerously expands the governor’s authority to remove duly elected local leaders simply for governing in ways that reflect their communities, and it disenfranchises voters by usurping the electorate’s will and replacing it with the governor’s.

“Put simply, this legislation empowers the state to use its power to shut down progress, silence local governments, and target political opponents. That is not normal. It is not consistent with democratic checks and balances. And it is not what this constitutional power was ever meant to do.

“This bill is overly broad. It bans diversity, equity, and inclusion in local governments, including any trainings, programs, or activities that ‘reference race, color, sex, ethnicity, gender identity, or sexual orientation.’ SB 1134 would prohibit cities and counties from governing with fairness and compassion for Florida’s historically underserved populations. It is designed to prevent local governments from recognizing systemic inequities, educating their communities, or implementing initiatives that ensure inclusive public services – essentially silencing local leadership and forcing the governor’s personal viewpoints onto communities statewide.

“Floridians should be deeply concerned when the Legislature advances bills that erode home rule, weaken democratic accountability, and expand executive government overreach. This bill would not only shut down progress – it would further consolidate power in the governor at the expense of the people. ”