Florida Governor Signs Law Expanding Crackdown on Israel Boycotts, Targeting Colleges and Arts Groups

Florida (Quds News Network)- Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has signed a new law that expands the state’s prohibition on public entities doing business with companies, institutions, or groups that boycott Israel, according to Florida’s Voice.

The legislation, SB 1678, was sponsored by Sen. Tom Leek and Rep. Hillary Cassel. It builds on Florida’s existing anti-Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) law, broadening its scope significantly.

Under the new law, which takes effect July 1, the state will:

• Expand the definition of “boycott of Israel” to include academic boycotts. Any school, college, or department that blocks academic partnerships with Israeli institutions will now face penalties.
• Mandate divestment by Florida’s State Board of Administration from any company, university, or foreign government found to be boycotting Israel.
• Require universities in Florida’s State University System to divest their endowment and retirement funds from groups on the boycott list.
• Force arts grant applicants to certify they do not ‘discriminate against’ Israel.
• Blacklist companies and institutions on a new “Scrutinized Companies or Other Entities that Boycott Israel List.”

Governor DeSantis framed the bill as a bold stance against what he called “anti-Semitic discrimination disguised as activism.”

Critics of similar laws nationwide argue that such policies threaten free speech and academic freedom, especially on college campuses. But Florida lawmakers say the law ensures state funds do not support entities hostile to a US ally.

With this bill, Florida becomes one of the most aggressive states in the United States in penalizing economic and academic actions against the occupation state.