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HB 1613

Prohibition of Considering Race or Ethnicity in Government Contracting

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Paula Stark

Florida bill prohibits state agencies from considering race/ethnicity in government contracting, eliminating minority business enterprise programs.

Died in Government Operations Subcommittee
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Bill Summary · HB 1613

Legislative bill overview

HB 1613 would prohibit Florida state government agencies from considering race or ethnicity as factors in awarding government contracts, procurement decisions, or vendor selection processes. The bill effectively eliminates race-conscious contracting practices, including minority business enterprise (MBE) programs and disadvantaged business enterprise (DBE) programs that have been used to address historical disparities in contract awards.

Why is this important

Government contracting represents billions in annual spending, making it a significant economic opportunity. These policies directly affect small business access to public funds and opportunities. The debate reflects broader national tensions over whether government should actively address historical inequities in business access or adopt race-neutral approaches to contracting decisions.

Potential points of contention

  • Constitutional questions: Whether eliminating race-conscious contracting violates the equal protection clause or whether it advances it—courts in multiple states have reached different conclusions on similar policies
  • Economic impact on minority-owned businesses: MBE/DBE programs have measurably increased contract awards to minority and women-owned businesses; removal could reduce their participation in government contracting
  • Alternative approaches: Disagreement over whether race-neutral methods (income-based criteria, geographic targeting, small business size) adequately address documented disparities in contract award patterns

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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