SURFSIDE, Fla. — Today, Governor Ron DeSantis was joined by members of the Florida Legislature and leaders in the Jewish community at the Shul of Bal Harbour to announce a proposal that will increase sanctions against the Iranian regime and block Iranian business in the State of Florida.
"These will be by far the strongest Iran sanctions that any state has enacted of all fifty states throughout this country," said DeSantis, who was joined by Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nunez and Israel Consul General Maor Elbaz-Starinsky.
‼️BREAKING! DeSantis rolls out plan for increased state sanctions on the Iranian regime.
“By far the strongest Iran sanctions that any state has enacted.” pic.twitter.com/WU2t2FTj9T
— Chris Nelson 🇺🇸 🏝 (@ReOpenChris) October 10, 2023
"This legislation will reinforce Florida's commitment that we don't do business with state sponsors of terrorism such as Iran," said DeSantis. "It's going to expand the prohibition on state investment in Iranian businesses to include the financial, construction, manufacturing, textile, technology, mining, metals, shipping, shipbuilding, and port sectors."
The sanctions include broadening the industries on Florida’s scrutinized companies list and strengthening Florida’s position on states that sponsor terror. Read more about this proposal for the upcoming Florida legislative session here.
DeSantis said these prohibitions will apply to local governments and will not end until the president and Congress certify that Iran has stopped supporting international terrorism and attempting to acquire weapons of mass destruction.
The Iranian regime will not be filling its coffers with money from Florida. pic.twitter.com/fNExiNWJRe
— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) October 10, 2023
“As a state and a nation, we must stand with Israel following the heinous attacks over the weekend,” said DeSantis. “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.”
The day of the attack, DeSantis immediately pinned the blame on Iran for funding Hamas, who carried out the attack that left over 1000 Israeli's dead and many taken hostage.
🚨WATCH! Governor Ron DeSantis on terrorist attack on Israel!
“Today, America stands with Israel against the terrorist attacks!
Perpetrated by Hamas. Backed by Iran. And unfortunately funded by this American President.”#DeSantis2024 pic.twitter.com/qiDBTk8pNV
— Chris Nelson 🇺🇸 🏝 (@ReOpenChris) October 7, 2023
“Our administration stands with Israel and its people, and we will never prop up countries that support vile and hate-filled terrorist groups like Hamas,” said Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez. “Instead, we pledge to ensure that the special bond between Florida and Israel remains unmatched and stronger than ever.”
DeSantis said he hopes the Biden administration will follow his lead.
"I hope the Federal government follows suit and gets rid of this delusion that you can somehow play footsie with the Iranian Mullahs," said DeSantis. "Put them in their place. Do not let them get any money flowing into their coffers, because you know that is going to turn around and be used to fund terrorism against Israel and against our allies."
The Biden Administration needs to get rid of this delusion that they can somehow play footsie with the Iranian Mullahs.
Put them in their place — do not let them get any money flowing into their coffers. pic.twitter.com/nHSr6hSfkj
— Ron DeSantis (@RonDeSantis) October 10, 2023
“Florida has a very special relationship with Israel. 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," said Senate President Kathleen Passidomo."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.”
“I proudly stand with our ally, Israel, and Florida’s Jewish community. Florida taxpayers will not do business with Iran,” said Speaker Paul Renner. “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.”
"I think the sprit of saying 'we lost our homeland before, we are never losing our homeland again', that is the sprit that is going to bring the people of Israel through a very trying time," said DeSantis. "For us in Florida to be standing with them is very important. For us to be taking actions that will actually have an impact is even more important and I hope other states follow."
Since 2019, Governor DeSantis has led two trade delegations to Israel, enacted legislation to combat antisemitism, prohibited Florida investment in companies that discriminate against Israel, and signed legislation to prohibit foreign countries of concern from owning agricultural land or real estate near critical infrastructure or from operating schools in Florida.
Governor DeSantis ordered flags at half-staff and for the Florida Capitol to be lit in blue and white every night from Monday, October 9, through Friday, October 13.
