Florida’s HB 113 Bill Mandates Charlie Kirk Road Names at State Colleges

A new Florida bill would force all public colleges and universities to rename a campus road after conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The legislation, House Bill 113, was filed in the state House on October 7. It threatens to withhold state funding from any institution that fails to comply with the mandate.

The proposal represents a significant legislative effort to memorialize the political figure across the state’s higher education system. According to The Palm Beach Post, the bill’s author is Republican Representative Kevin Steele.

A Detailed Look at the Road Renaming Mandate

HB 113 requires each state university and college board of trustees to redesignate a specific roadway. The new name must honor “Charlie James Kirk.” Schools have a limited time to complete this change.

Failure to rename the road would result in severe financial consequences. State funds would be withheld from any non-compliant university or college. This financial penalty makes the bill particularly consequential for campus administrations.

Specific Roadways Targeted for Renaming

The bill explicitly names the roads to be changed at major institutions. For example, University Drive at Florida Atlantic University would become Charlie James Kirk Drive. Ersey Street at Palm Beach State College would be renamed Charlie James Kirk Street.

Other notable changes include Stadium Road at the University of Florida and Gemini Boulevard South at the University of Central Florida. The list encompasses nearly every public college and university in the state, from Florida State University to Miami Dade College. This wide scope ensures Kirk’s name would be placed on campuses from the Panhandle to the Keys.

The bill’s future is not yet certain. It currently lacks a companion bill in the Florida Senate. However, its introduction has sparked immediate debate about the use of state power to mandate cultural recognition.

This legislative move to enshrine Charlie Kirk’s name across Florida’s campuses is a direct and financially enforced mandate.

Info at your fingertips

Who is Charlie Kirk?

Charlie Kirk is the founder of the conservative student organization Turning Point USA. He is a prominent political commentator and activist.

What is the penalty for not renaming a road?

Any state college or university that refuses to rename the designated road will lose its state funding. This is a significant financial threat to the institutions.

Has the bill been passed into law?

No, the bill has only been introduced in the Florida House of Representatives. It must pass both the House and Senate and be signed by the governor to become law.

Which schools are affected by HB 113?

Every public college and university in Florida is affected. This includes all twelve state universities and twenty-eight state colleges.

Why is this bill controversial?

The bill is controversial because it uses state funding to compel schools to honor a divisive political figure. Critics argue it oversteps and politicizes campus infrastructure.

Trusted Sources

The Palm Beach Post, Reuters, Associated Press