Sarasota, Fla. — Florida is ranked among the nation’s top states for religious freedom, according to the first independent research institute’s newly released state index. A comprehensive peer-reviewed report assesses all 50 states based on how they protect their laws for religious freedom in areas such as individual rights, religious exemptions, the protection of faith-based organizations and schools, and the ability to practice their faith both in their public and private lives.
Gov. Ron DeSantis released the rankings during his visit to Sarasota on Monday.
“Florida holds several No. 1 rankings and leads the nation in education, economy and tourism. Now, Florida is number one in religious freedom,” DeSantis said. “Religious freedom is important to America’s foundations and functioning, and we are proud that Florida is excellent at protecting this right.”
The Desantis administration noted that it has designated a series of legislative measures in recent years.
In 2021, Florida enacted the Parents’ Bill of Rights, directing the moral and religious upbringing of children, and affirming parents’ rights to oppose educational materials. In the same year, a law was signed requiring public schools to ensure daily moments of silence for prayer and personal reflection. In 2022, places of worship were deemed “essential” under state emergency laws and prevented them from being closed in emergencies. In 2023, a wide range of “freedom of healthcare” bills allowed providers and patients to reject services that contradict religious or moral beliefs. That year saw increased school choices, access to religious private schools, and preservation of prayer before high school sporting events. In 2024, the state responded to campus protests by taking action to protect Jewish students from religious harassment. More recently, Desantis has signed a bill to establish a voluntary school pastoral program, allowing faith leaders to provide counseling services on public school campuses.
Perceptions in Florida’s Religious Freedom Index will be added to the growing list of national rankings promoted by the governor’s office.
#1 Economy (US News, CNBC) #1 Higher Education System (US News) #1 Freedom of Education (Heritage Foundation, ALEC) #1 School Choice (EDCHOICE, Power Index) #1 New Business Formation and Entrepreneurship #1 Retirement (Wallethub)
Florida also maintains a Triple A bond valuation from Fitch, S&P and Moody’s, and has been named by the US Census Bureau as the fastest growing state in the country.
Gov. DeSantis concluded that “from defending free expression on campus to respecting faith-based values in our laws, Florida is leading the way in which we maintain the right to strengthen America.”
