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— The Municipal Equality Index ranks U.S. cities on laws, policies, services and other criteria affecting the LGBTQ+ community —
The City of Miami Beach has once again ranked among the top U.S. cities in the annual Human Rights Campaign’s Municipal Equality Index at a time when 36 of the nation’s 50 states saw a drop in state average scores. Miami Beach achieved a 100-point score in the recently released 2025 index, the highest possible rating.
“I’m proud that Miami Beach continues to lead the nation in equality,” said Miami Beach Commissioner Alex J. Fernandez. “That pride comes not only from being a gay commissioner but from knowing that protecting our LGBTQ+ community strengthens the safety and unity of everyone who calls Miami Beach home. Our entire city thrives when dignity and respect guide our actions.”
This year, a record-breaking 130 cities, or over 25 percent of all MEI-rated cities, earned the highest score of 100, while 76 cities earned over 85 points despite being from a state without nondiscrimination statutes that explicitly protect sexual orientation and gender identity. For the first time in seven years, the MEI national average score was slightly lower than previous years.
“Our city has long served as a leader in creating a safe, accepting and affirming environment for all residents,” added Paul Thomas, vice-chair to the city’s LGBTQIA+ Advisory Committee. “We are honored to work closely with our Mayor and City Commission to ensure that Miami Beach remains a place where equality is not only valued but actively advanced.”
The 2025 Municipal Equality Index is a nationwide evaluation of 506 cities based on 49 criteria, including the inclusivity of laws, policies and services. It is intended to be an encapsulation of nationwide best practices of inclusion and a blueprint for positive municipal change rather than a ranking of the friendliest U.S. cities for LGBTQ+ people.
The 2025 index reaffirmed that cities across the country — including Miami Beach — support equality for LGBTQ+ people, even where states and the federal government fail to do so.
In addition to Miami Beach, other Florida cities with 100-point scores include Miami, Hollywood, Fort Lauderdale, Wilton Manors, Oakland Park, Orlando, St. Petersburg and Tampa.
The index criteria is based on five broad categories:
- Nondiscrimination laws.
- Municipalities as employers.
- Municipal services and programs.
- Law enforcement.
- Leadership on LGBTQ+ equality.
The full report, including detailed scorecards for every rated city and a searchable database, is available online at www.hrc.org/mei.
The Human Rights Campaign Foundation is the educational arm of the Human Rights Campaign, America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC and the HRC Foundation strive to end discrimination against LGBTQ+ people and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.
