Across Florida, educators, parents, students, and advocates are mobilizing against a bill that threatens the freedom to read, learn, and think critically. House Bill 1539 is a sweeping attempt to centralize censorship, silence local voices, and redefine what students can access in their own school libraries.

That’s why we’re launching a statewide letter-writing campaign—to urge our state representatives to vote NO on HB 1539 and protect the intellectual freedom of all Florida students.

Why Do We Oppose This Bill?

Florida House Bill 1539 is a direct threat to intellectual freedom, educational integrity, and local democratic control. If passed, this bill would upend more than three decades of Florida legal precedent by allowing the state to censor protected speech in public schools—stripping educators and local leaders of their ability to evaluate books and materials based on their overall literary, artistic, scientific, or political value.

HB 1539 empowers unelected state officials to decide what content students can access, while leaving voucher-funded institutions exempt. It mandates a recurring $3 million “compliance tool” that monitors districts—prioritizing surveillance over student growth.

This bill isn’t about protecting children. It’s about controlling thought. Since 2021, fewer than 100 parents have submitted objections, yet hundreds of books have been pulled without any community review. The vast majority of families (95%) already enjoy full parental access to school libraries.

We must act now to protect the freedom to read, think, and learn in Florida schools. Join us in urging state lawmakers to OPPOSE HB 1539 and stand against censorship, overreach, and the erosion of educational rights.

What’s Next?

This bill will be heard on the House Floor on April 24th. The companion bill on the Senate side was Temporarily Postponed on Wednesday, March 26, 2025. Without a companion bill, HB1539 cannot be sent to the Governors office for his signature. BUT there is still time for the Senate version to be amended and revived. 

How You Can Help

📬 Write a Letter: Use our ready-to-send template below or personalize your own letter to tell your Florida state representative why HB 1539 is wrong for Florida. Every message counts, and personalized stories are especially powerful.

🗣️ Spread the Word: Share this campaign with friends, family, educators, and community members. The more voices we raise, the stronger our message becomes. Use the hashtag #OpposeHB1539 on social media to amplify awareness.

📝 Sign the Petition: If you haven’t already, sign our Action Network petition to show lawmakers the growing public opposition to this bill.

📣 Join the Movement: Stay informed and get involved with ongoing actions, rallies, and updates by signing up for our campaign alerts.

Together, we can protect Florida’s classrooms from censorship and ensure that every student has the freedom to read, question, and grow.