For nearly three years running, the Florida legislature has passed law after law that has jeopardized the state’s public education system—from instructional bans to book bans, to direct attacks on Black, brown and LGBTQ+ Floridians through legislation like the “Don’t Say Gay” law or the “Stop WOKE Act.”
The agenda for the 2025 Florida Legislative Session unfortunately demonstrates a commitment to this ongoing trend, with more censorial bills up for consideration this year. But a coalition of Florida-based advocates gathered at the Capitol to fight back against them—and to support bills that aim to correct the harm done against Florida schools, colleges and universities and the rights to read, learn, and be.
PEN America Florida, with nine grassroots and state organizations, all United Voices Network partners, such as PRISM, Interfaith Alliance, Defense of Democracy, Moms for Libros, and Our Florida, mobilized to Tallahassee on March 11, 2025. Together, we represented almost every corner of the state.
The group banded together in support of several bills, including HB 811 and HB 609, two bills that aim to reverse provisions put in place by the Stop WOKE Act, HB 1069—Florida’s notorious book banning bill. Among other things, HB 811 removes the infamous ban on classroom instruction that “teaches identity politics” or touches on topics of “systemic racism, sexism, oppression, and privilege.”
They also brought their concerns about SB 100 or the “Don’t Display Gay” bill, which would ban flags that represent “political viewpoints” in schools, and HB 855, a bill that would ban undocumented students from attending college.
This coalition met with over a dozen lawmakers, legislative aides, and staffers to provide information and talking points about the bills that PEN America Florida is targeting this year. This list will continue to grow as we submit testimony, letters in support or opposition, and coalition advocacy.
“This year, there are several bills that are actually trying to correct the censorial and discriminatory trends of years past. We are not hopeful for their passage but regardless, we are throwing our full weight behind them,” said Katie Blankenship, senior director of PEN America Florida. “And of course, there are a large number of harmful bills out there and still coming. PEN America Florida stands in solidarity with our local and state partners to continue to fight against the unconstitutional attacks on core liberties to speech and access information.”
Updates about the right to read, learn and be in Florida will be tracked on the PEN Florida 2025 Legislative Priorities page.
