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Pembroke Pines leaders weigh impact of Florida’s new DEI law. Here’s what to know

By Edited by Mike Garbett and produced with AI assistance
Pembroke Pines officials say the state’s new DEI law will change how the city recognizes and celebrates its residents.
Pembroke Pines officials say the state’s new DEI law will change how the city recognizes and celebrates its residents. Matias J. Ocner mocner@miamiherald.com

Pembroke Pines leaders are preparing to comply with a new state law signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis that bars local governments from funding or promoting diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.

The law takes effect Jan. 1 and could end longtime city traditions, proclamations and advisory boards.

FULL STORY: Pembroke Pines leaders weigh impact of state DEI funding law on city programs

Pembroke Pines Mayor Angelo Castillo said the state’s new DEI law will change how the city recognizes and celebrates its residents.
Pembroke Pines Mayor Angelo Castillo said the state’s new DEI law will change how the city recognizes and celebrates its residents. Carla Mendez cmendez@pembrokepinesflnews.com

Here are key takeaways:

  • What’s banned: The law prohibits counties and municipalities from funding or promoting DEI initiatives. Pembroke Pines Mayor Angelo Castillo said many city proclamations and events celebrating diversity will no longer be allowed.
  • DeSantis’ rationale: The governor said DEI programs discriminate against certain groups. “The disfavored groups, No. 1, obviously, would be white males, and I think they’ve been discriminated against,” he said.
  • What’s still allowed: An internal memo from City Attorney Sam Goren says cities can still recognize federal and state holidays such as Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Juneteenth and Veterans Day.
  • What’s at risk: Proclamations outside those categories, such as Greek or Irish Heritage Month, are not explicitly protected. The city’s Diversity and Heritage Advisory Board “may not be able to legally exist in its current form,” the memo states.
  • Penalties: Residents can sue local governments for violations. Officials found to have funded DEI initiatives could be removed from office.
  • Local pushback: Vice Mayor Michael Hernandez called the law “a fix in search of a flaw,” saying voters raised concerns about property insurance costs and the state budget, not DEI programs.
  • What’s next: Castillo said the city is working with its legal team and expects the law to be challenged in court.

This report was produced with the assistance of a proprietary tool powered by artificial intelligence and using our own originally reported, written and published content. It was reviewed and edited by our journalists.

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