Screenshot of cover of Human Rights Campaign’s Municipal Equality Index 2024
A total of seven Florida cities scored perfect 100 scores for LGBTQ-inclusive policies and services on an annual assessment by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation (HRC) announced on Thursday.
The HRC’s Municipal Equality Index rates cities based on nondiscrimination laws, the municipality as an employer, municipal services, law enforcement, and leadership on LGBTQ+ equality.
The 2024 report shows that Tampa, Miami, St. Petersburg, Orlando, Hollywood, Fort Lauderdale, and Wilton Manors in Broward County all achieved perfect scores this year.
“Tampa prides itself on its diversity and the differences that create a vibrant and unique society,” said Mayor Jane Castor in a statement. “For this reason, we must do everything we can to ensure all individuals, particularly historically marginalized groups that have suffered greatly from discrimination and hostility, like the LGBTQ+ community, feel safe, welcome, and valued in our thriving city.”
‘We are pleased to be recognized by the Human Rights Campaign 11 years in a row, but we understand that perfect scores on the Municipal Equality Index do not happen by accident,” said St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch. “Intentional inclusivity and inclusive progress are part of what we build upon every day, from policy to practice. Our city’s growth is stronger when everyone plays a part in it, and we remain dedicated to advancing equity for all.”
“Proud that for the 11th-consecutive year, @citybeautiful has received a perfect score on the @HRC Municipal Equality Index,” said Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer on X. “Orlando has not and will not waver in our commitment to ensuring our city is inclusive for LGBTQ+ residents and visitors.”
Here are the scores of the 18 cities that the HRC’s Municipal Equality Index reviewed in Florida this year:
- Tampa 100
- Miami 100
- St Petersburg 100
- Orlando 100
- Hollywood 100
- Fort Lauderdale 100
- Wilton Manors 100
- Oakland Park 97
- Tallahassee 96
- Miami Shores 92
- Coral Gables 90
- Gainesville 79
- Port St. Lucie 72
- Pembroke Pines 70
- Jacksonville 68
- Hialeah 57
- Cape Coral 56
- Daytona Beach 39