The Florida Legislature has passed a bill that would extend the ban on DEI in local governments to the local level. The bill's sponsor, State Rep Dean Black (R-Yulee), argued that the bill aims to put merit above all else in local government hiring, training, contracting, and spending. However, Democratic lawmakers raised concerns that vague language could restrict more than intended. The legislation does not include carveouts for state-recognized holidays and observances, including Black History Month. Local officials in Jacksonville are taking note of the high stakes of the bill, with potential violations of government officials' misfeasance or malfeasance.