Certification Regarding Prohibition Against Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Training

Solicitation 27-0078-NT, issued by the Pinellas County Government Office of Management and Budget on October 26, 2026, requires contractors to certify compliance with a Florida DEI Bill effective January 1, 2027. Under Section 287.139 and Section 125.595(1) of the Florida Statutes, local governments are prohibited from funding or promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. Consequently, contractors must certify that no County funds will be used to require employees, contractors, volunteers, vendors, or agents to ascribe to, study, or be instructed using materials related to DEI. The primary deliverable is a signed Certification Regarding Prohibition Against Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Training, which must be submitted electronically via the OpenGov portal by February 1, 2027. This certification is a material condition for the payment of funds and must be maintained for the entire duration of the contract. Failure to comply may result in contract termination, withdrawal of grant funding, cancellation of County employee memberships, or other legal remedies. The process is managed by Purchasing Official Merry Celeste in Clearwater, Florida.