DeSantis signs law protecting Floridians from financial institutions promoting ESG

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Gov. Ron DeSantis signed legislation on Thursday protecting businesses from financial institutions that promote environmental, social and corporate governance policies, also known as ESG.

The legislation, HB 989, expands consumer protections and amends certain roles and responsibilities of the state’s chief financial officer position, currently held by Jimmy Patronis.

“This will enhance Florida’s consumers against ESG activism in our financial system and it protects them against a social credit system or discrimination based on their viewpoints,” DeSantis said during a press conference.

“There’s now going to be a more robust process for people who have been in this situation,” he said. “So if you own a firearm store, federal firearm license, following the laws everyday, if they just cut you off because they don’t like that business, you have recourse here in this new piece of legislation.”

Patronis touted the bill at Thursday’s press conference as protecting Floridians against ESG, and boasted that the state is in a strong financial position.

“This legislation will also support Florida taxpayers and fights IRS overreach by creating the Florida Taxpayer Advocate,” Patronis said recently on the bill’s passage. “This new office will ensure Floridians have a seat at the table and a fighter by their side when the IRS comes knocking. We are also working to protect policyholders, by requiring insurance carriers to have staff who can expedite and short-circuit major insurance issues before they arise.”

He said how Florida’s growth in population has been largely driven by people rejecting left wing policies in other parts of the country.

“The type of people that we’re getting here are the people that we want,” he continued. “And they’re leaving these blue states that are broken in policy, they’re broken in morals and they’re broken finically, and they’re coming to the free state of Florida.”

Brian Wolfberg, the CEO and president of VyStar credit union, thanked the state for its continued commitment in partnering and working with credit unions across Florida.

“Public funds should always be placed where they can earn the best return in a safe manner, and we will see going forward that, in many cases, that will be with Florida’s credit unions,” he said.

The bill was filed by Rep. Chip LaMarca, R-Lighthouse Point. It took effect upon being signed.

At the same press conference, DeSantis signed a law barring ideologically charged teacher training requirements.