Gov. DeSantis Vetoes $32M in Arts Funding, Cites “Sexual” Festivals

Governor Ron DeSantis has vetoed over $32 million in arts funding across Florida, citing concerns over “sexual” festivals in Orlando and Tampa. The announcement came during a news conference on Thursday, where DeSantis explained his decision to cut cultural grants from the upcoming state budget.

DeSantis pointed to the Orlando International Fringe Theater Festival as an example, describing it as a “sexual festival.” The Orlando Fringe Festival, an annual event for 33 years, features live theater, concerts, and kid-friendly activities. While some shows have sexual content, they are typically comedic.

Tampa’s International Fringe Festival, which includes comedians and puppeteers, was also mentioned.

The cuts have left arts organizations statewide scrambling for alternative funding. Vetoed projects include $570,500 for the Tampa Museum of Art and $500,000 each for ZooTampa, the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, and Friends of Ybor.

DeSantis questioned the use of taxpayer money for such events, saying, “Not many people would support funding that.”

The vetoes are in line with DeSantis’ broader efforts to regulate content he finds inappropriate. He has previously targeted drag shows allowing children and pushed for legislation to bar minors from adult performances, though a federal judge blocked the law on First Amendment grounds.

“By vetoing these grants, DeSantis is trying to control and censor the arts,” said Democratic Sen.-elect Carlos Guillermo Smith, noting the Orlando Fringe festival’s 18,000 attendees this year.