Florida Republicans Shine in 2024 CPAC Scorecard, Tackling Key Issues with Bold Legislation

In a year marked by historic Republican victories nationwide, Florida’s state lawmakers have earned high praise for their legislative achievements, according to the 2024 CPAC Scorecard. Florida Senate Republicans achieved an impressive average score of 91%, while their House counterparts scored an even higher 93%, reflecting their commitment to addressing critical issues like illegal immigration, online safety for children, and the rejection of divisive DEI ideologies in education.

The 2024 elections saw the reelection of President Donald Trump and Republicans dominate both federal and state races, with Florida emerging as a battleground for tackling pressing issues. The American people gave Republicans a mandate to make communities safer and reject the radical woke agenda. From border security to protecting young people from digital harms, Florida’s Republican-led legislature has set a national standard with bold, decisive action.

Cracking Down on Illegal Immigration

Florida Republicans have taken a hardline stance on illegal immigration, addressing the effects of crime, drugs, and human trafficking that have plagued communities across the nation and the state. Senate Bill 1036, passed in 2024, imposes severe penalties—including potential life sentences—for repeat offenders who illegally reenter the country and commit felonies. The legislation sends a clear message: Florida will not tolerate criminal activity from those who break immigration laws.

Complementing this effort, House Bill 1451 prohibits local governments from recognizing identification cards issued to illegal immigrants, effectively closing loopholes that could enable backdoor amnesty. By prioritizing the rule of law, Florida has positioned itself as a national leader in immigration enforcement, setting the example for other states to adopt similar measures to protect their citizens and uphold sovereignty.

Safeguarding Children Online

In a groundbreaking move to protect minors from the dangers of the internet, Florida passed House Bill 3 in 2024, establishing some of the strictest online safety regulations in the nation. The law bans children under 14 from creating social media accounts and requires parental consent for 14 and 15-year-olds, allowing parents to have more oversight in their children’s digital activities. Platforms with adult content now face stringent requirements to implement robust age verification systems and delete accounts of underage users, with significant penalties for non-compliance.

Florida remains steadfast in its mission to shield young people from harmful online content and addictive platform features. The state’s Republicans' unwavering commitment to children’s well-being has solidified its reputation as a pioneer in addressing the risks of the digital age.

Dismantling DEI and Woke Ideologies in Education

Florida’s fight against divisive DEI ideologies in education reached new heights in 2024 with the passage of Senate Bill 266. This legislation bans taxpayer funding for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs in public colleges and universities, targeting initiatives that critics argue promote division, victimhood, and racist racial essentialism over meritocracy. The law also prohibits courses that advance critical race theory and other radical frameworks, ensuring that higher education prioritizes relevant academic content over ideological activism.

By taking a firm stand against the encroachment of “woke” indoctrination, Florida has reaffirmed its commitment to judging students by their character and achievements, not their race. This move has positioned the state as a leader in the nationwide push to restore common sense and fairness to public education.

A Model of Leadership for the Nation

CPAC’s 2024 Scorecard underscores Florida’s role as a trailblazer in advancing conservative values, with its Republican lawmakers earning high praise for their proactive approach to Floridians’ top concerns.

Explore all of CPAC’s findings from last year’s legislative session in the 2024 Florida Scorecard on CPAC.org.