DeSantis Announces State Proposal for Sanctions on Iran
SURFSIDE, FLORIDA — Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced a legislative proposal to increase sanctions against the Iranian regime.
Joined by Florida Speaker of the House Paul Renner and Senate President Kathleen Passidomo at the Shul of Bal Harbour, DeSantis reiterated that Florida stands with Israel.
“As a state and a nation, we must stand with Israel following the heinous attacks over the weekend,” DeSantis said. “With Iran helping plot the barbaric attack against Israel, I want to make it abundantly clear: Florida supports the State of Israel against the Iranian terror state.”
STATE-LED SANCTIONS
The governor says that while the federal government has eased trade restrictions on Iran, the proposed Florida legislation would broaden the industries on the state’s scrutinized companies list and strengthen sanctions on the country. This to ensure that Florida wouldn’t do business with companies aligned with Iran or Hamas.
Florida CFO Jimmy Patronis said that he “unequivocally stand[s] with Israel and Governor DeSantis in his mission to ensure that not a single dime of state funds goes to Iran.”
The proposed legislation would:
- Reinforce Florida’s commitment to avoid business with state sponsors of terrorism such as Iran.
- Expand prohibition on state investment in Iranian businesses to include the financial, construction, manufacturing, textile, technology, mining, metals, shipping, shipbuilding, and port sectors.
- Prohibit state and local governments from contracting with companies on the expanded sectors list.
- Require both the President and United States Congress to certify that Iran has stopped supporting international terrorism and acquiring weapons of mass destruction and that the United States has lifted all sanctions against Iran before any state sanctions are lifted.
“Florida has a very special relationship with Israel,” Senate President Kathleen Passidomo said.
“While we cherish the alliance between our governments, we also recognize the bonds of family and friendship that link so many Floridians to the Israeli people. I am proud to stand with Governor DeSantis and Speaker Renner in support of Israel. We condemn the horrific acts of terrorism coordinated by the Islamic Republic of Iran and we must ensure we are doing everything within our authority as a state government to protect Floridians from this dangerous and corrupt regime.”
SOLIDARITY WITH FLORIDA’S JEWISH COMMUNITY
According to the governor’s office, DeSantis has supported Israel at the state level since 2019, including leading two trade delegations to Israel, prohibiting Florida investment in companies that discriminate against Israel, and signing legislation to prohibit foreign countries of concern from owning agricultural land or real estate near critical infrastructure or from operating schools in Florida.
“I proudly stand with our ally, Israel, and Florida’s Jewish community,” Speaker Paul Renner said. “Florida taxpayers will not do business with Iran. The Islamic Republic of Iran has orchestrated the most heinous acts of terrorism against America and our allies, and they openly conspire against the interests of our nation. For the sake of our national security and in standing with our allies around the world, especially Israel, I proudly join with Governor DeSantis to support any measure that weakens the Iranian regime and protects our taxpayers.”
On Monday, Governor DeSantis ordered flags at half-staff and the Florida Capitol to be lit in blue and white every night through Friday, October 13 in support of Israel. He is also calling on other states to follow Florida’s lead and introduce sanctions on Iran.