Miami-Dade County is preparing to dissolve several volunteer advisory boards and reassess charity funding in response to Florida’s new anti-diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) law. The legislation, known as Senate Bill 1134, cracks down on local spending tied to ethnicity, sexual orientation, or gender. As the Jan. 1 implementation date approaches, county officials are shifting staff and sunsetting boards that promote activities for specific ethnic or racial groups, creating significant uncertainty for community organizations and cultural celebrations.
Dissolution of Advisory Boards
Mayor Daniella Levine Cava revealed plans to purge county staff working for volunteer Miami-Dade boards. A memo released Wednesday indicated that 19 employees from the Office of Community Advocacy would be shifted to different departments. Sources familiar with the matter confirm that the Hispanic Affairs, Asian American, Black Affairs, LGBTQIA+, and Commission on Women advisory boards will be dissolved by Dec. 31.
Liliam Lopez, a member of the Hispanic Advisory Board, expressed shock at the decision, stating there would no longer be a Hispanic Affairs board for the county. Stephen Hunter Johnson, a lawyer and member of the Black Affairs Advisory Board, noted that while official statements cite ongoing legal review, unofficial word suggests an immediate end to operations. The Black Affairs board has historically helped organize events celebrating Miami-Dade’s Black population, including initiatives in Overtown.
Impact on Local Charities
The looming rules are affecting local charities such as Girl Power Rocks, which provides after-school programs for girls. President and CEO Thema Campbell expressed concern that county grants might be deemed illegal under the new law. Although a provision exempts single-sex programs helping at-risk youth, Campbell fears administrative interpretation could still jeopardize funding, more context in Florida Board Bans Undocumented Students From Public Universities Starting 2027.
Without Miami-Dade’s $223,000 grant added to Mayor Levine Cava’s 2027 budget proposal, Girl Power Rocks would face severe cutbacks. The county has taken no action against the charity so far, but officials remain cautious about enforcing state laws that carry heavy penalties for elected officials, more context in Florida Board Bans Undocumented Students From Public Universities Starting 2027.
Cultural Events and Legal Uncertainty
In North Miami, Mayor Alix Desulme announced that city funding for Haitian Flag Day celebrations will cease in 2027. The law does not explicitly mention national origin, but the severe penalties—including removal from office—have led local leaders to avoid testing the rules. Desulme also expects the cancellation of free traditional pumpkin soup services previously offered at heritage events, El Universo reported.
Commission Chair Anthony Rodriguez stated that no jobs would be lost in Community Advocacy after Jan. 1, while Commissioner Vicki Lopez warned of sweeping consequences for Miami-Dade spending. In July, commissioners authorized legal action to clarify how the legislation should be implemented, acknowledging that court challenges may be necessary to define the law's scope.
