Resistance Report: Special Session Edition And Pride Flag Ban Bill Update

We’re back with another edition of our Special Session Resistance Report!

Once again, the legislature convened for a special session last week to push through their cruel anti-immigration agenda. This move comes just days after Republican legislative leaders publicly criticized DeSantis’ leadership and repeatedly feuded with him over details of their own anti-immigration bill, The Trump Act — legislation the Governor promised to veto in retaliation.

Now, DeSantis and GOP leaders have repostured with an agreement in an attempt to pander to Trump and distract from their failures to address real issues. Here’s what you need to know...

Special Session Bills (SB 2-C; SB 4-C)

• What it does: SB 2-C immediately repeals the bipartisan 2014 law allowing in-state tuition rates for undocumented students who graduated from Florida high schools and were brought to the United States as children. The law gave countless hardworking students the opportunity to put themselves through college and graduate to become lawyers, business owners, and community leaders. It also expands the current footprint of immigration enforcement by state and local officials with nearly $300 million in taxpayer funds, and creates the State Board of Immigration Enforcement made up of the Governor and Cabinet, among additional provisions. SB 4-C imposes a mandatory death penalty for capital offenses committed by undocumented migrants and makes it a state crime for an undocumented person to enter the State of Florida.
• What’s happened: Ultimately, the bills passed both chambers along party lines and were immediately signed into law by Governor DeSantis on the same day, but not before Senator Jason Pizzo tried (unsuccessfully) to amend the bill by grandfathering in students currently receiving in-state tuition waivers. In the Senate, four Republican Senators (Bradley, Calatayud, Garcia, and Rodriguez) joined Democrats in support of Pizzo’s amendment for students.

What’s next: The bills take effect immediately and all students currently receiving the fee waiver will be reevaluated for eligibility beginning July 1, 2025.

Special session wasn’t the only thing going on in Tallahassee last week. Lawmakers also held committee hearings on bills working their way through the legislative process — including an anti-LGBTQ bill filed this session.

The Pride Flag Ban (SB 100/HB 75)
Sponsored by Senator Randy Fine and Representative Alex Borrero

• What it does: Flags have historically been used to connect communities in an exercise of free speech. The Pride Flag Ban Bill bans government buildings from raising any flag that represents a “political viewpoint,” including Pride Flags. Born largely from far-right activists protesting LGBTQ pride flags on government buildings, it attacks visibility in public spaces and classrooms for all minority groups.

• What’s happened: Senator Fine prioritized pushing the Pride Flag Ban Bill through the committee he chairs, its first stop in the Senate. He is using his taxpayer-funded bully pulpit to repeatedly seek attention for his political campaign and push this petty censorship bill before he tries to head to Washington, D.C. One public commenter challenged the audience, “Take a shot every time [Fine] says,‘Randy for Congress.’” But here’s the reality: the public isn’t buying it. Over 5,400 people flooded committee members’ inboxes in opposition. During the hearing, 26 people spoke in opposition to the bill compared to just four in support — clear proof of how wildly unpopular the bill is. Senators Tina Polsky and Kristen Arrington raised numerous constitutional concerns and emphasized the potential for vigilante enforcement under the bill. Next, it moves to its second Senate committee, and we’re not letting up.

• How to help: Contact the lawmakers on the next Senate and House committees and tell them to vote NO on SB 100/HB 75.

Pro-equality champion Senator Tina Polsky speaking out against the Pride Flag Ban Bill.

Our public policy team has been busy this week, meeting with lawmakers to talk about key bills and issues that impact our community as we get ready for the 2025 legislative session.

Equality Florida’s Public Policy Director Jon Harris Maurer with State Representative Felicia Robinson.

* This Special Session marked a dramatic departure from previous sessions with both the Florida Senate and House firmly declaring their independence from the Governor by rejecting his proposals, overriding several of his budget vetoes, and publicly criticizing his leadership. Watch this space to see how together, with our champions, we can leverage this new dynamic to try and stop DeSantis’ anti-LGBTQ agenda and protect freedom and equality for all Floridians. 👀

We’re already gearing up for Legislative Session — the 60 most dangerous days in Florida — which begins on March 4th. Our team is committed to being in the Capitol every single day — fighting every fight, showing up in every room they’re debating our rights, and outnumbering the opposition. But we can’t do it alone. We need you by our side!

Join us for our Pride At The Capitol Kick-Off on Tuesday, March 18th, and Wednesday, March 19th! This is your chance to meet directly with lawmakers, tell your stories, and testify in committees on bills that impact our community. Last year, hundreds of citizen lobbyists joined us to help us defeat 21 of 22 anti-LGBTQ bills in Tallahassee!

We also encourage you to stay for the 🏳️‍⚧️ Second Annual Let Us Live March on Thursday, March 20th,🏳️‍⚧️ which is being organized by trans-led organizations and leaders across the state. These events are critical opportunities to show up in force and demand our elected officials protect our rights and freedoms.

Remembering Senator Geraldine Thompson

Equality Florida mourns the loss of Florida Senator Geraldine Thompson, who passed away on February 13, 2025. Senator Thompson served with distinction in the Florida House of Representatives from 2006 to 2012 and again from 2018 to 2022, before beginning her tenure in the Florida Senate in 2022.

Her impact went far beyond the walls of the legislature. As a lawmaker, she was a steadfast champion of civil rights, racial justice, public education, healthcare, and women’s health. In addition to her political career, Senator Thompson was a dedicated historian, educator, and storyteller. She founded the Wells’ Built Museum of African American History and Culture in Orlando, Florida, and in 2003, she authored the Orlando installment of the Black America Series, which chronicled 150 years of Black history in the city. In recent years, she spoke out forcefully against efforts to whitewash and erase Black history. Thompson also has a long voting record in opposition to anti-LGBTQ legislation and was always ready to meet with and welcome Equality Florida to the Captiol during lobby days. 

As a beloved matriarch, she leaves behind a devoted husband and generations of family. A fearless advocate and visionary, Senator Thompson’s legacy has indelibly enriched our community and the world.

There’s a lot of breaking news coming out of Washington, D.C. and Tallahassee. Make sure you’re following us on social media for the latest updates, resources, and ways to take action.

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Together, we’ll continue to fight back to protect our communities and defend the values we hold dear.