Religious Freedom in Florida: Why It’s Now the Top State in America

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis

🏆 Florida Named #1 State for Religious Liberty in the U.S.

SARASOTA, FL — July 2025: Florida has officially earned the top spot in the First Liberty Institute’s Religious Liberty in the States Index, marking another historic milestone under Governor Ron DeSantis’ leadership. The ranking recognizes Florida as the #1 state in America for protecting religious liberty through comprehensive laws and policy initiatives.

The Religious Liberty in the States Index is the most in-depth legal comparison of religious freedom protections across all 50 states. It evaluates how states protect individuals, families, and institutions in living out their faith through laws related to religious exemptions, religious schooling, faith-based speech, and more.

“Florida holds several #1 rankings—education, economy, tourism—and now, we are #1 in religious liberty,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “Religious liberty is foundational to America, and I’m proud Florida leads the way in safeguarding this right.”

📜 Key Milestones in Florida’s Religious Liberty Leadership:

2021: Parents’ Bill of Rights passed, securing the right of parents to direct their children’s religious and moral upbringing in education.
2021: Legislation signed to implement daily moments of silence in public schools, allowing space for prayer or reflection.
2022: Houses of worship deemed essential—emergency orders can no longer shut down religious services in Florida.
2023: Florida passed nation-leading medical freedom laws, protecting citizens’ right to reject medical treatments based on religious beliefs.
2023: School choice expanded, allowing public funds to be used for tuition at religious private schools.
2023: Law enacted to allow prayers at high school sports events.
2024: State crackdowns on antisemitic campus protests ensured the safety and rights of Jewish students at Florida universities.
2024: Passage of HB 931, establishing a statewide school chaplain program offering voluntary spiritual counseling in schools.

📈 Florida’s Streak of #1 Rankings Continues

Florida’s religious liberty leadership adds to an already impressive list of national #1 rankings:

#1 Economy (U.S. News & World Report, CNBC)
#1 in Higher Education (U.S. News, 9 years in a row)
#1 in Education Freedom (Heritage Foundation, ALEC, Parent Power Index)
#1 for New Business Formations (3.7M+ since 2019)
#1 State for Entrepreneurship (The Digital Project Manager, 2025)
#1 State to Retire (WalletHub, 2025)
#1 State for Talent Attraction (Lightcast, 2023)
#1 Vacation Destination (6 years running)

Florida also maintains Triple-A credit ratings from Fitch, Moody’s, and S&P, highlighting its strong economic foundation and fiscal management.

🔟 Top FAQs on Florida Ranking #1 in Religious Liberty:

Why is Florida ranked #1 for religious liberty in the U.S.?
Florida topped the First Liberty Institute's index due to strong legal protections for religious freedom, including laws on education, healthcare, and free speech.
What is the Religious Liberty in the States Index?
It's a peer-reviewed study by the First Liberty Institute that compares how all 50 U.S. states protect religious freedoms through laws and policies.
Who created the Religious Liberty in the States Index?
The index was created by the First Liberty Institute in partnership with legal scholars to measure state-level protections for religious freedom.
What laws has Florida passed to protect religious freedom?
Key laws include the Parents’ Bill of Rights (2021), daily moments of silence in schools, protection for houses of worship during emergencies, and school chaplain programs.
How does Florida’s religious liberty compare to other states?
Florida ranks #1, surpassing all other states in offering legal exemptions, school choice for religious education, and protecting faith-based speech.
What is the Parents’ Bill of Rights in Florida?
It gives parents the authority to direct the religious and moral education of their children and object to materials conflicting with their beliefs.
Can prayer be held in Florida public schools?
Yes, Florida law requires a daily moment of silence in schools, allowing students the option for prayer or quiet reflection.
What is HB 931 and how does it support religious liberty?
HB 931 allows school districts to host volunteer chaplains on campuses to provide optional spiritual and counseling support to students.
How has Governor Ron DeSantis promoted religious freedom?
DeSantis has signed multiple laws supporting religious institutions, expanding school choice, and protecting healthcare providers with religious objections.
What other areas is Florida ranked #1 in besides religious liberty?
Florida also leads in economy, higher education, education freedom, entrepreneurship, and is the #1 retirement and tourism destination.

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