Southern Poverty Law Center Florida News

SPLC responds to court's dismissal of Caicedo v. DeSantis case

The Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) has expressed disappointment over the dismissal of the case Caicedo, et al. v. DeSantis, describing it as a "temporary setback for democracy."

Groups seek extension on Florida voter registration amid hurricane disruptions

The Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) has filed an emergency motion in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida, seeking to extend the voter registration deadline. This action comes as Floridians deal with consecutive hurricanes, Helene and Milton, which have disrupted essential services during the final days of voter registration.

SPLC report reveals high cost of incarcerating Black children in Florida

The Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) has released a report detailing the financial and social costs of incarcerating Black children in Florida. According to Delvin Davis, senior policy analyst at SPLC and the report’s author, "The legal system in Florida fails Black youth, trapping them in cycles of trauma and punishment, and at great expense to state taxpayers-$130,520 per child." Davis advocates for a shift from punitive measures to community-based alternatives and policy reforms that would protect future generations.

Legal groups challenge Florida DOC's attempt to reclaim excessive force settlement

The motion, filed on behalf of Jason Baez, challenges a $547,850 lien by the Florida Department of Corrections (FDC). The lien was instituted in July 2024 after Baez settled a lawsuit against FDC officers who beat him so severely that he lost an eye. If allowed to stand, FDC would take back the money it paid to settle the lawsuit, leaving Baez with debt and a lifelong disability when he is released from prison.

SPLC criticizes New College of Florida's disposal of gender and diversity books

TALLAHASSEE, Fla — Yesterday, the New College of Florida discarded hundreds of library books focused on LGBTQ+, diversity, and religious studies topics, including collections from its former Gender and Diversity Center. Neither students nor the public were given the opportunity to acquire or adopt these books before they were discarded or damaged, as provided by FS 273.

SPLC reaffirms commitment against criminalizing homelessness after Supreme Court ruling

The Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) has reaffirmed its commitment to ending the criminalization of homelessness following a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision.

Parents challenge DeSantis' policy on book bans as discriminatory

The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida, argues that H.B. 1069 discriminates against parents who oppose book bans and censorship. It gives parents who favor censorship a formal process to challenge a local school board’s decision to keep a book on school shelves, while parents opposed to censorship are excluded from the process altogether. The plaintiffs, parents of students in Florida public schools, are seeking review of their local school boards’ decisions to remove or restrict books in their children’s school districts and do not...

Federal court blocks controversial section of Florida's immigration law

A federal court has temporarily blocked Section 10 of Florida's Senate Bill 1718, a law criticized for its anti-immigrant stance.

Florida faces challenge over historic district nomination errors

In a continuing effort to preserve the historical integrity of the Royal community in Florida, the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) and the Community of Royal are challenging the state's revised nomination for listing the area on the National...

SPLC calls for action following death of service member Roger Fortson

The Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Roger Fortson, a service member who was killed by police.

SPLC opposes Florida bill targeting DEI in teacher prep programs

The Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) has voiced its opposition to a new bill in Florida that targets diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives within teacher preparation programs.

SPLC launches campaign empowering young voters of color in Deep South

The Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) has launched a bilingual voter engagement campaign aimed at young people of color in the Deep South.

Eatonville named among America's most endangered historic places

Eatonville, a historic town incorporated in 1887 and recognized as one of the first self-governing all-Black municipalities in the United States, has been designated on the annual list of America’s 11 Most Endangered Historic Places.

Supreme Court to decide on homelessness punishment under Eighth Amendment

The U.S. Supreme Court is set to hear a case that could significantly impact the rights of homeless individuals in America.

Southern Poverty Law Center urges Supreme Court to protect homeless individuals' rights

The Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) has urged the United States Supreme Court to uphold the rights of homeless individuals in a significant case that originated in 2018.

Support grows for African American History Museum in historic Eatonville

In March 2023, the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) initiated legal action against the Orange County School Board regarding the proposed sale of the Hungerford property.

Federal judge supports transgender teacher's right to use chosen pronouns

A federal judge has issued a preliminary injunction allowing a transgender teacher in Florida to use her chosen title and pronouns at work.

SPLC and local group challenge Florida's historical site nomination process

The Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC), representing Young Performing Artists, Inc. (YPAs), has submitted a new petition to the National Park Service.

Civil rights martyr Johnnie Mae Chappell remembered on 60th anniversary

Johnnie Mae Chappell, a mother of ten, was killed by white supremacists while searching for her lost wallet on a Jacksonville, Florida roadside.

Poll reveals strong support among Floridians for public education

A recent poll conducted by Ipsos on behalf of the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) indicates that a significant majority of Floridians support public education.