‘Overreaching.’ Miramar mayor vows to act if Florida DEI law affects city operations
Miramar Mayor Wayne M. Messam says a sweeping new state measure targeting diversity, equity and inclusion could directly affect how his city operates — and he’s prepared to push back.
Speaking at the close of Wednesday, March 18, commission meeting while a city attorney was giving an update on the law’s potential impact, Messam said he felt compelled to address the issue following the Florida House’s passage of Senate Bill 1134.
The measure would ban local governments, including Miramar, from funding, promoting or taking official actions related to DEI.
The bill now heads to Gov. Ron DeSantis’ desk. If signed into law, as expected, it would go further by voiding existing local DEI-related policies and prohibiting cities from creating DEI offices or hiring inclusion officers.
Violations could expose local officials to legal action — and even immediate removal from office.
The law would also require municipalities to ensure their vendors and subcontractors comply with the same anti-DEI rules — a potentially difficult task for cities that work with dozens of outside businesses.
Messam said the legislation reflects a growing trend of the state restricting home rule and weakening local authority.
He called Florida lawmakers’ actions “overreaching,” arguing they are impeding municipalities and their ability to govern locally.
During what he called “my quick little editorial,” the mayor made clear he will not stay quiet if the law begins to affect the day-to-day operations of Miramar.
“If I have to be the first one to speak up, I will,” Messam said from the dais, signaling a willingness to challenge the state if necessary.
Across the county line on Wednesday, Miami-Dade commissioners also urged DeSantis to veto Senate Bill 1134. Other community leaders have voiced opposition as well.
Messam framed the issue as one of local control, particularly when it comes to how cities spend taxpayer dollars.
“It’s one thing to say, ‘State dollars that they give us — OK, you’re giving us money, you can tell us how to spend it,’” he said. “That’s fair game. But it’s your tax dollars.”
He also raised concerns about how the law could affect the city’s relationships with vendors, suggesting new restrictions could create uncertainty around business practices tied to DEI.
Supporters of the bill, including its sponsor, Republican state Rep. Dean Black of Jacksonville, argue DEI programs waste taxpayer money and create division. Democrats opposed the measure and unsuccessfully pushed amendments to soften its impact.
If signed, the law would mark one of the most far-reaching state efforts to limit DEI policies at the local level and could force cities across Florida to rethink existing programs and policies.
Messam said cities such as Miramar may soon have to decide how to respond.
“That’s why it’s so important for our residents to pay attention to what’s going on in Tallahassee,” he said.
This story was originally published March 19, 2026 at 3:46 PM.
