In a move that has sparked controversy and concern, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has signed a legislation that prevents local and municipal governments from implementing their own heat protections for workers. The law, known as House Bill 433, restricts local authorities from setting a minimum wage higher than the state or federal level and also prohibits employers from being required to meet additional heat exposure requirements.

The legislation comes as a blow to advocates of worker safety and environmental and labor groups, who argue that the protections are necessary in a state known for its scorching temperatures. With an estimated 2 million Floridians working outdoors, the lack of heat protections raises concerns about the wellbeing of workers.

The passage of the bill follows Miami-Dade County's consideration of local heat protection rules, which would have been among the most stringent in the country. The proposed rules mandated that employers provide shade, water, and regular breaks to workers on days with extreme heat levels. However, county commissioners rejected the proposal in November, citing concerns over potential negative impacts on businesses.

Last year, several parts of Florida experienced record-breaking heat, with all-time heat records reported in cities such as Tampa and Fort Myers. In spite of these extreme temperatures, the new legislation effectively prevents local authorities from implementing measures to mitigate the risks associated with excessive heat exposure.

Critics of Governor DeSantis's decision argue that it prioritizes business interests over the wellbeing of workers. Environmental and labor groups expressed disappointment, with Sierra Club Florida Political Director Luigi Guadarrama stating that the governor has abandoned millions of hard-working Floridians and left the state more vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.

The legislation's impact extends beyond Florida's borders, as it makes the state only the second, after Texas, to ban local heat protections. Advocates argue that this sets a detrimental precedent by disregarding the unique needs and challenges faced by different regions.

It is crucial to note that between 2010 and 2020, Florida recorded 215 deaths directly caused by heat. However, experts highlight that this figure does not account for existing conditions exacerbated by heat or the inclusion of noncitizens, including immigrants lacking permanent legal status and guest workers, in the data.

As Florida grapples with increasing heat and its associated risks, the decision to restrict local heat protections raises questions about the state's commitment to safeguarding its workforce. The legislation's long-term impacts and the potential consequences for workers remain to be seen, but the concerns raised by critics emphasize the need for prioritizing worker safety in the face of rising temperatures and climate change.