Delray Beach Says New Florida Law Will Block St. Patrick's Day, Pride Events

Delray Beach announced that a new Florida law taking effect Jan. 1, 2027, will block the city from organizing, funding, or officially recognizing its annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Pride Parade.

The upcoming legislation restricts how municipalities handle activities classified as diversity, equity, and inclusion, or DEI, including programs touching on ethnicity, sexual orientation, or gender identity. After reviewing the rules, city officials determined they are barred from supporting these traditional gatherings.

The city produced or was affiliated with 21 annual events in 2025, a list that included the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival, along with the 100 Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremonies and the Menorah Lighting. Discussions regarding changes to the special event framework and the exclusion of that year’s Pride Festival took place in April 2025.

Annual events like St. Patrick’s Day and Pride celebrations have brought the community together. The city thanked residents, participants, and volunteers who contributed over the years.

Despite the statutory restrictions, Mayor Tom Carney said in a statement on Tuesday that the city is working to ensure the 2027 St. Patrick’s Day parade still happens as scheduled.

“The St. Patrick’s Day parade isn’t just another parade. It’s ingrained in the DNA of the Delray Beach community,” Carney said, adding, “I’ve read your social media posts, received your emails and it is clear that the parade means as much to you in the community as it does to me.”

A South Florida Sun Sentinel article notes that Carney started contacting individuals upon realizing the upcoming legislation might jeopardize the St. Patrick’s event. He now believes the parade will secure enough outside funding to move forward.

Carney has not said whether the city will receive outside funding for the Pride event, per the report.