Florida’s Anti-DEI Law Means Delray Beach Can’t Pay for Its St. Patrick’s Day Parade
by Sari Moon · Thought CatalogBy Sari Moon
Updated 2 minutes ago, November 11, 2026
Florida’s new anti-DEI law will prevent Delray Beach from organizing, paying for or promoting its 2027 St. Patrick’s Day parade. The restrictions take effect Jan. 1 and also affect the city’s Pride celebrations.
The city reached that conclusion after reviewing the law, which restricts municipal support for certain activities developed around ethnicity, sexual orientation or gender identity. That puts the annual celebration of Irish heritage within the restrictions the city says it must follow.
Mayor Tom Carney is working to keep the St. Patrick’s Day parade on the calendar through outside funding. On Nov. 10, he said the city was trying to ensure the 2027 parade would go ahead as scheduled.
“The St. Patrick’s Day parade isn’t just another parade. It’s ingrained in the DNA of the Delray Beach community,” Carney said. “I’ve read your social media posts, received your emails and it is clear that the parade means as much to you in the community as it does to me.”
Carney began contacting potential supporters after learning the parade was at risk and believes outside funding will be enough to keep it going. The parade’s future now depends on support beyond the city, and it has not been canceled.
He hasn’t said whether outside funding will also be available for Pride. Delray Beach had already discussed changing its special-event policy and removing that year’s Pride Festival in April 2025.
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