Delray Beach, Florida, says it will not be able to organize its annual St. Patrick’s Day parade or Pride event in 2027 because of a new state law limiting local governments’ involvement in diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.
City officials announced the decision Tuesday, saying the law restricts certain activities designed or carried out with reference to ethnicity, sexual orientation or gender identity. After reviewing the requirements, the city concluded it could not organize, fund or promote the events next year.
Officials acknowledged that the celebrations have brought residents together and thanked the volunteers, participants and community groups who have helped stage them.
Florida Senate Bill 1134 passed the Republican-controlled Legislature largely along party lines and was signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis in April. It is set to take effect Jan. 1, 2027.
The law bars counties and municipalities from directly or indirectly funding or promoting DEI initiatives. It also limits local governments from taking certain official actions related to such initiatives, including adopting policies, programs, ordinances or resolutions.
Violations may be treated as misfeasance or malfeasance in office. The measure also restricts the use of local government funds by employees, contractors and others to promote DEI initiatives, and limits cities’ ability to fund, host or officially promote heritage events celebrating culture or ethnicity.
Some holidays designated under federal law are exempt, including New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Delray Beach Mayor Tom Carney said he had received many messages and seen social media criticism over the parade’s cancellation. He said the event matters deeply to residents, and described the new law as placing significant limits on how cities can pay for community gatherings.
Carney also said the parade is an important part of Delray Beach’s identity and that the city is working with several organizations to try to ensure it goes ahead in 2027. “We want the Delray Beach St. Patrick’s Day parade to stay,” he said.
