Equality Florida, the largest LGBT organization in the state, is urging people not to travel to the state due to what it sees as a dangerous environment.
“As an organization that has spent decades working to improve Florida’s reputation as a welcoming and inclusive place to live work and visit, it is with great sadness that we must respond to those asking if it is safe to travel to Florida or remain in the state as the laws strip away basic rights and freedoms,” Equality Florida Executive Director Nadine Smith said in a statement.
Despite discouraging people from traveling to the state, Equality Florida wants those who choose to live in the state to fight against what it calls discriminatory policies.
Representing more than 65 immigrant groups, the Florida Immigrant Coalition also weighed in also: “In Florida, routine daily activities for those who cannot immediately prove United States citizenship and lawful residency at all times may result in devastating consequences,” a statement from the group said. “These consequences include arrest for operating a vehicle, no matter the state you are from, reduced access to health care services and compromised safety.”
FIC’s travel advisory is in part a response to two pieces of legislation pushed by Mr. DeSantis. They seek to increase state power over businesses suspected of hiring illegal immigrants, letting authorities conduct random audits. State identification laws would be beefed up as well. State IDs issued to noncitizens in neighboring states would not be valid in Florida
