About Florida PIRG
For more than 20 years, Consumer Program Director Ed Mierzwinski has helped us stand up against big banks and credit card companies.
An Independent Voice For Consumers
Florida PIRG is a consumer group that stands up to powerful interests whenever they threaten our health and safety, our financial security or our right to fully participate in our democratic society.
For decades, we’ve stood up for consumers, countering the influence of big banks, insurers, chemical manufacturers and other powerful special interests.
Our team of researchers uncovers the facts; our staff bring our findings to the public, through the media as well as one-on-one interactions; and our advocates bring the voice of the public to the halls of power on behalf of consumers.
Our Top Priorities
Using the time-tested tools of investigative research, media exposés, grassroots organizing, advocacy and litigation, Florida PIRG stands up to powerful interests and delivers concrete results.
STOP THE OVERUSE OF ANTIBIOTICS
The overuse of antibiotics on factory farms is contributing to the rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, threatening millions of Americans every year. We're calling on major restaurants to take strong action to address this growing public health threat. >LEARN MORE
DEMOCRACY FOR THE PEOPLE
We're working to stanch the flow of big money in our democracy by increasing the influence of small donors in elections. We're also part of a national coalition that's helped 16 states and more than 650 cities call for an amendment to overturn Citizens United. >LEARN MORE
CONSUMER PROTECTION
Consumer Program Director Ed Mierzwinski has fought for consumers for more than 20 years. He spearheaded our fight to create the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, which has provided more than $11 billion in relief for consumers harmed by illegal practices. >LEARN MORE
21st CENTURY TRANSPORTATION
We're spending billions on highway expansion projects instead of investing in public transit, biking and pedestrian options that people want and need. We're putting a spotlight on these projects, and calling on policymakers to invest in 21st Century Transportation. >LEARN MORE
What's New
U.S. PIRG is calling on municipal, state and federal policymakers to mandate face masks in all indoor public spaces, as well as in outdoor locations where it’s hard for people to socially distance six feet apart.
Gov. DeSantis vetoes programs students and educators rely on during COVID-19
On Monday, the U.S. House approved H.R. 5332, the Protecting Your Credit Score Act of 2020 (Gottheimer-NJ). U.S. PIRG joined other leading advocates of credit reporting reform in a support letter to the House last week. The bill takes a number of steps to make it easier to fix credit reporting errors.
In a win for public health, Bayer announced a settlement of more than $10 billion with 95,000 plaintiffs who allege that glyphosate, a key ingredient in its Roundup weedkiller, causes cancer. This victory is important. Next we need to get rid of Roundup and other glyphosate-based weedkillers.
In response to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) most states are letting anyone vote absentee for the spring and summer elections. Voting by mail is a safe, secure way fror people to cast their ballot because states, especially those who have a long history of voting by mail, have established strong safeguards to prevent improper voting.
Public Health
Responding to the COVID crisis
In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, now more than ever, we need to work together to ensure that our government has a coordinated, strategic response to safeguard the public’s health, protect consumers from emerging dangers and ensure people can still participate fully in our democracy.
Consumer Protection
Auto loan complaints skyrocket with COVID-19 crisis
According to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), the number of complaints from consumers facing challenges in getting relief on their auto loans has increased sharply — nearly 2.5 times more complaints in March through May 2020 as compared to the same period last year.
Higher Ed
Student groups urge Congress to support higher education funding during COVID-19 crisis
Sixteen student groups from across the country have outlined ways Congress can support higher education needs during the COVID-19 crisis. The guidelines include increasing funding for Pell Grants, expanding access to affordable course materials, and providing relief for those struggling with student loan repayments.
Public Health
EPA fails to regulate drinking water contaminant
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has announced that it is rolling back regulations of perchlorate, a harmful chemical found in rocket fuel. Perchlorate is linked to thyroid damage and can impact the health of newborns and children.
Support Us
Your donation supports Florida PIRG’s work to stand up for consumers on the issues that matter, especially when powerful interests are blocking progress.