HB 765 creates a new Florida statute, section 683.27, to designate October 21 of each year as “Celia Cruz Day” in the state. The bill is a commemorative measure honoring Celia Cruz, the internationally known “Queen of Salsa,” and its findings recite her birth date, musical career, awards, honors, and cultural significance, including her recognition by the National Medal of Arts, Grammy and Latin Grammy Awards, and her status as the first Afro-Latina featured on U.S. currency.
The bill does not create a regulatory program, appropriations, or enforcement mechanism. Its legal effect is limited to adding a state-recognized observance to Florida Statutes and taking effect July 1, 2025, if enacted. Because it died on the Second Reading Calendar, it did not become law and therefore did not change existing statutes in practice.
If enacted, HB 765 would have amended Florida law by creating section 683.27, Florida Statutes, and formally recognizing October 21 as “Celia Cruz Day.” The measure would primarily affect state symbolic observances and public recognition rather than private rights, agency duties, or fiscal policy. Since the bill died on the Second Reading Calendar, no statutory change resulted.
The available context suggests broadly positive sentiment. The bill is framed entirely as a tribute to a widely admired cultural icon, and the findings emphasize Celia Cruz’s artistic achievements, awards, and historical significance. There are no recorded committee transcripts or votes showing opposition, amendment debate, or controversy, and the measure appears to have been treated as a commemorative resolution-style bill rather than a contested policy proposal.
There is no documented substantive contention in the available record. The bill’s subject matter is ceremonial and celebratory, so any disagreement would likely have centered only on whether the Legislature should create another honorary day rather than on policy impacts. The absence of committee transcripts and recorded votes indicates no visible debate in the provided materials.