Left-wing groups issue travel warning for Florida, cite 'extremist policies' from DeSantis

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (TND) — Left-wing activist groups in Florida are warning people about traveling or relocating to Florida, claiming there is a risk to "health, safety, and freedom" following the passage of a litany of Republican bills in the state by GOP Gov. Ron DeSantis.

Equality Florida issued a travel advisory, warning "those considering short or long term travel, or relocation to the state" of the risk it could pose to their "health, safety and freedom."

The warning came the same day the Florida Immigrant Coalition, a statewide immigrant activist coalition made up of "more than 65 member organizations and over 100 allies," issued its own advisory, according to a press release from Equality Florida.

According to Equality Florida, they decided to issue the advisory in response to "a wave" of inquiries about whether it was safe to travel or move to Florida with the DeSantis administration in power.

As an organization that has spent decades working to improve Florida's reputation as a welcoming and inclusive place to live work and visit, it is with great sadness that we must respond to those asking if it is safe to travel to Florida or remain in the state as the laws strip away basic rights and freedoms," Equality Florida Executive Director Nadine Smith said. "While losing conferences, and top students who have written off Florida threatens lasting damage to our state, it is most heartbreaking to hear from parents who are selling their homes and moving because school censorship, book bans and health care restrictions have made their home state less safe for their children.

We understand everyone must weigh the risks and decide what is best for their safety, but whether you stay away, leave or remain we ask that you join us in countering these relentless attacks," Smith continued. "Help reimagine and build a Florida that is truly safe for and open to all, and where freedom is a reality, not a hollow campaign slogan."

The Florida Immigrant Coalition laid out tips for those concerned about the DeSantis administration's policies while traveling to Florida, such as memorizing the phone number for a licensed civil liberties or immigration attorney and discussing a plan with loved ones about who will take care of your children, pets and other personal belongings in case you happen to get detained or arrested.

Travel to all areas of Florida should be done with extreme caution as it can be unsafe for people of color, individuals who speak with an accent, and international travelers," the Florida Immigrant Coalition's advisory reads. "Due to unconstitutional legislation supported by Governor Ron DeSantis and introduced by Legislative Leadership, every county in Florida poses a heightened risk of harassment, possible detainment, and potential family separation based on racial profiling."

Together, the advisories cited "assaults" on medical and academic freedom, efforts to foment racial prejudice, "censorship and erasure of the LGBTQ community," the repealing of gun safety laws and many more "extremist policies" from the DeSantis administration.