The Florida Legislature has passed and sent to Governor Ron DeSantis a bill known as HB 905, aimed at tightening state restrictions against the Cuban regime. However, the legislation includes an unprecedented clause.
The HB 905 bill stipulates that "if the federal government alters Cuba's diplomatic status, the governor may temporarily suspend provisions of any law or regulation that restricts interactions with Cuba."
This makes Florida the state most ready to react to any potential regime change in Havana.
As part of the initiative to curb foreign influence, HB 905 prohibits state agencies and entities from signing contracts with the governments of China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, Cuba, Venezuela, and Syria. Yet, it now introduces a slight relaxation for Cuba, anticipating possible future changes.
These provisions could be enacted by July 1, 2026.
According to Martí Noticias, besides contractual restrictions, the law intensifies criminal penalties. It allows counties, municipalities, and tax collectors to revoke or deny business licenses to individuals or entities doing business with Cuba in violation of federal law.
False statements in sworn documents required by the law are considered perjury, a third-degree felony in Florida.
The bill was introduced on December 23, 2025, by Representative Jenna Persons-Mulicka (R-Fort Myers) and passed the House of Representatives with an 83-17 vote, expanding existing state restrictions on pension fund investments, land ownership, and academic partnerships.
The law also explicitly voices Florida's support for "a free and independent Cuba," a message of significant symbolic value to the Cuban-American community in the southern part of the state.
This measure is part of the "Cuba Libre agenda" led by Florida Republicans, who are concurrently advancing efforts at the federal level.
In November 2025, Ashley Moody and Rick Scott spearheaded the reintroduction of the DEMOCRACIA Act, aiming to freeze assets of Cuban Communist Party officials and ensure internet access on the island.
On that occasion, Moody was clear: "The Cuban communist regime continues to profit from the oppression of its people. In Florida, we know firsthand the cost of that tyranny. With this bill, we are cutting off corrupt money flows and ensuring that not a single U.S. dollar supports the dictatorship."
DeSantis, who has signed several impactful laws in Florida in recent months, has also approved legislation declaring certain groups as terrorist organizations, solidifying a security agenda that includes maximum pressure on Havana.
The governor was straightforward about his vision for Cuba on March 25, at Palm Beach Atlantic University.
"It wouldn't take much. If you simply had a somewhat legitimate government that wasn't 100% corrupt and respected people's rights and the rule of law, I think you could do much better than that."
Implications of Florida's New Legislation on Cuba
What is the significance of HB 905 for Florida's stance on Cuba?
HB 905 positions Florida as the most prepared state to engage with a potentially democratic Cuba by allowing for temporary suspension of restrictive laws if the federal government changes Cuba's diplomatic status.
How does HB 905 affect business interactions with Cuba?
The law prohibits state agencies from entering contracts with Cuban entities but allows for future flexibility if diplomatic relations change, thereby preparing for potential economic engagements with a democratic Cuba.
What are the penalties for violating HB 905?
Violations include potential revocation or denial of business licenses and treating false statements in required documents as perjury, a third-degree felony in Florida.