Rep. Carolina Amesty: Women are thriving in Florida

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The conclusion of Women’s History Month offers a unique opportunity to celebrate the strides we have made in empowering women, and there’s no better example of this success than Florida.

Our state, enriched with a history of dynamic female leaders and bolstered by policies that actively support women’s advancement, exemplifies how good governance can elevate women.

As a Venezuelan American, I have witnessed firsthand how Florida serves as a beacon of hope for women globally, offering unparalleled opportunities for growth, leadership, and security.

Of course, this was not achieved overnight. 

The Sunshine State’s legacy of strong women leaders — from Marjory Stoneman Douglas and Mary McLeod Bethune to Carrie Meek and Ileana Ros-Lehtinen — underscores our long-standing tradition of female empowerment. These trailblazers have not only shaped Florida’s history but have also paved the way for future generations to follow in their formidable footsteps.

We see their passion reflected today in strong women like Senate President Kathleen Passidomo and First Lady Casey DeSantis.

The political landscape in Florida today is more inclusive and representative than ever before. This year marked a historic achievement, as we welcomed the largest number of women into the Florida House and the Republican Caucus.

Last year, we made history by electing my colleague, Representative Jennifer Canady, as the first woman to serve as Speaker of the Florida House.

These milestones are not merely symbolic; they reflect our commitment to ensuring that women’s voices are heard and that our perspectives are valued at every level of government.

Public policy in Florida has also seen significant advancements aimed at supporting women, especially new mothers. I’m proud to have introduced legislation that allows new mothers to be excused from jury duty, so they can spend those crucial first months with their babies.

To ensure that Florida remains a place where new moms and dads can raise a family, we have also implemented permanent tax cuts on essential items like diapers and other baby necessities.

Moreover, we have invested in services for new parents and expanded KidCare, Florida’s safety net program, to uplift families with additional support.

This initiative allows them to advance in their careers without the immediate fear of losing critical support as their financial situation improves.

In an effort to combat human trafficking, which disproportionately affects women, I was honored to have led the charge this year to enact legislation that prohibits strip clubs from employing individuals under the age of 21.

By targeting a sector where trafficking is notoriously prevalent, we are protecting young women from exploitation and abuse.

Safety and security are essential to prosperity for women, and Florida stands out as a safe haven for women and families with pro-law and order policies.

According to the Annual Uniform Crime Report, crime in Florida has reached a 50-year low.

This remarkable achievement has been facilitated through comprehensive salary increases for correctional officers, enhancing the safety of both law enforcement and correctional officers, and stringent measures to combat the flow of fentanyl into Florida from the southern border.

Florida’s commitment to education as a cornerstone for women’s empowerment is evident through significant financial investments in our educational system.

Last year, the governor’s Framework for Freedom Budget allocated more than $1.6 billion for early childhood education, including over $427 million dedicated to the Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK) program, ensuring that our youngest Floridians have access to quality early learning opportunities. 

Women in Florida are benefiting from our historic $26.8 billion investment in the state’s K-12 public school system to ensure that every child receives an exceptional education.

This substantial investment has been critical to Florida becoming the premier state for education in America, as recognized by U.S. News and World Report, while simultaneously offering some of the most affordable in-state tuition rates nationwide. 

Our commitment extends beyond traditional education, as Florida is a global leader in the kind of entrepreneurship education and training that empowers women.

The state’s initiative has seen over 20,000 students achieve industry certification in Entrepreneurship and Small Business (ESB), preparing a new generation for the challenges and opportunities of the future.


As a first-generation Floridian, it is a privilege to serve in our legislature and help shape the policies that mold our beloved state. Florida’s unparalleled commitment to empowering women, drawing from a rich legacy of female leadership and robust policy foundations, makes it an exceptional place to call home.

It’s within this vibrant and supportive environment that I plan to raise my own family, confident in the bright prospects and secure foundation that Florida offers.


In embracing the legacy and ongoing efforts beyond Women’s History Month, we honor the iconic women who have shaped Florida’s history and celebrate the continued progress toward a more prosperous future for all.

The journey towards empowerment continues, propelled by our efforts to build a Florida where every individual, irrespective of gender, has the opportunity to thrive.