SARASOTA, Fla. — Florida has been ranked the highest state within the nation for spiritual liberty, in response to the First Liberty Institute’s newly launched Spiritual Liberty within the States Index. The great, peer-reviewed report evaluates all 50 states primarily based on how their legal guidelines defend spiritual freedom in areas equivalent to particular person rights, spiritual exemptions, protections for faith-based organizations and colleges, and the power to follow religion in each private and non-private life.
Governor Ron DeSantis introduced the rating throughout a go to to Sarasota on Monday.
“Florida holds a number of #1 rankings, main the nation in schooling, economic system, and tourism—and now, Florida is #1 in spiritual liberty,” stated DeSantis. “Spiritual liberty is essential to the inspiration and performance of America, and I’m proud that Florida excels in defending this proper.”
The DeSantis administration pointed to a sequence of legislative actions over current years as key to the state’s robust displaying within the index:
- In 2021, Florida enacted the Mother and father’ Invoice of Rights, affirming the best of oldsters to direct their youngster’s ethical and spiritual upbringing and to object to educational supplies.
- The identical 12 months, laws was signed requiring public colleges to put aside a every day second of silence for prayer or private reflection.
- In 2022, homes of worship have been deemed “important” below state emergency regulation, making certain they might not be shut down throughout emergencies.
- In 2023, a wide-ranging “medical freedom” invoice allowed well being suppliers and sufferers to refuse companies that battle with their spiritual or ethical beliefs.
- That 12 months additionally noticed the enlargement of college selection, opening entry to non secular non-public colleges, and protections for prayer earlier than highschool sports activities occasions.
- In 2024, the state responded to campus protests by taking motion to guard Jewish college students from spiritual harassment.
- Most not too long ago, DeSantis signed a invoice establishing a voluntary college chaplain program, permitting religion leaders to supply counseling companies on public college campuses.
Florida’s recognition within the spiritual liberty index provides to a rising listing of nationwide rankings touted by the governor’s workplace, together with:
- #1 economic system (U.S. Information, CNBC)
- #1 increased schooling system (U.S. Information)
- #1 in schooling freedom (Heritage Basis, ALEC)
- #1 at school selection (EdChoice, Guardian Energy Index)
- #1 in new enterprise formations and entrepreneurship
- #1 retirement vacation spot (WalletHub)
- #1 state for expertise attraction (Lightcast)
- #1 trip vacation spot for Individuals
Florida additionally maintains a Triple-A bond score from Fitch, S&P, and Moody’s, and was named the fastest-growing state within the nation by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Governor DeSantis concluded, “From defending free expression on campus to making sure our legal guidelines respect faith-based values, Florida leads the way in which in preserving the rights that make America robust.”
