Gainesville police drop contested transgender search rule after AG warning

Gainesville’s police chief eliminated a controversial policy that instructed officers to ask transgender-identifying suspects to select the gender of the officer conducting a search when the suspect’s gender could not be determined. Attorney General James Uthmeier argued the rule violated the Florida Civil Rights Act, endangering both officers and detainees and prioritizing “gender ideology” over safety. He gave the city until Aug. 15 to repeal the rule or face legal action.

On Aug. 13, the city announced the policy had been withdrawn, citing a brief message from the city attorney. Uthmeier’s office highlighted that the requirement imposed asymmetric burdens on female officers and was not a neutral accommodation. The reversal follows the AG’s public challenge and threat of litigation.