Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier has formally warned the National Football League (NFL) that its race-based hiring policies, such as the Rooney Rule, may violate Florida's Civil Rights Act. The warning was delivered via a letter to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell on March 25, 2026, expressing concerns that these practices discriminate based on race.

This action signals a potential enforcement challenge to the NFL's diversity initiatives within Florida. Employers operating in Florida, particularly those with similar affirmative action or diversity programs, should review their hiring practices to ensure compliance with state civil rights laws. While the letter does not impose immediate penalties, it raises the possibility of future legal action if the NFL does not address the stated concerns.