Florida Governor Ron DeSantis allowed three bills to become law without his signature, marking the first time he has done so since taking office in 2019. The non-compete bill, HB 1219, strengthens enforcement of clauses by extending maximum time for high-earning employees from two years to four years.
The bill, which passed with a party line vote in the Senate and garnered support from nine Democrats after being amended, aims to prevent workers from leaving to compete at companies that offer them better salaries. However, groups opposed to the bill claim it would stifle wage growth and harm startups.
Critics, including free market think tanks and labor law activists, have urged DeSantis to veto the legislation. “The CHOICE Act would codify one of the most anti-innovation, anti-startup, and anti-worker policies in the country,” said John Lettieri, President and CEO of the Economic Innovation Group.
The other two bills that became law without DeSantis’ explanation are related to fertility preservation services for state workers and compensation for a car accident victim.
Source: https://eu.tallahassee.com/story/news/local/state/2025/07/08/gov-desantis-lets-three-bills-become-florida-law-without-signature-non-compete-ken-griffin/84496316007