SARASOTA, Fla. — Florida has been ranked the top state in the nation for religious liberty, according to the First Liberty Institute’s newly released Religious Liberty in the States Index. The comprehensive, peer-reviewed report evaluates all 50 states based on how their laws protect religious freedom in areas such as individual rights, religious exemptions, protections for faith-based organizations and schools, and the ability to practice faith in both public and private life.
Governor Ron DeSantis announced the ranking during a visit to Sarasota on Monday.
“Florida holds several #1 rankings, leading the nation in education, economy, and tourism—and now, Florida is #1 in religious liberty,” said DeSantis. “Religious liberty is critical to the foundation and function of America, and I am proud that Florida excels in protecting this right.”
The DeSantis administration pointed to a series of legislative actions over recent years as key to the state’s strong showing in the index:
- In 2021, Florida enacted the Parents’ Bill of Rights, affirming the right of parents to direct their child’s moral and religious upbringing and to object to instructional materials.
- The same year, legislation was signed requiring public schools to set aside a daily moment of silence for prayer or personal reflection.
- In 2022, houses of worship were deemed “essential” under state emergency law, ensuring they could not be shut down during emergencies.
- In 2023, a wide-ranging “medical freedom” bill allowed health providers and patients to refuse services that conflict with their religious or moral beliefs.
- That year also saw the expansion of school choice, opening access to religious private schools, and protections for prayer before high school sports events.
- In 2024, the state responded to campus protests by taking action to protect Jewish students from religious harassment.
- Most recently, DeSantis signed a bill establishing a voluntary school chaplain program, allowing faith leaders to offer counseling services on public school campuses.
Florida’s recognition in the religious liberty index adds to a growing list of national rankings touted by the governor’s office, including:
- #1 economy (U.S. News, CNBC)
- #1 higher education system (U.S. News)
- #1 in education freedom (Heritage Foundation, ALEC)
- #1 in school choice (EdChoice, Parent Power Index)
- #1 in new business formations and entrepreneurship
- #1 retirement destination (WalletHub)
- #1 state for talent attraction (Lightcast)
- #1 vacation destination for Americans
Florida also maintains a Triple-A bond rating from Fitch, S&P, and Moody’s, and was named the fastest-growing state in the country by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Governor DeSantis concluded, “From defending free expression on campus to ensuring our laws respect faith-based values, Florida leads the way in preserving the rights that make America strong.”
