diff --git a/pkgs/development/libraries/mesa/default.nix b/pkgs/development/libraries/mesa/default.nix
index 1987bbd323e..d79d9b2859e 100644
--- a/pkgs/development/libraries/mesa/default.nix
+++ b/pkgs/development/libraries/mesa/default.nix
@@ -5,7 +5,8 @@
 , libelf, libvdpau, python2
 , grsecEnabled ? false
 , enableRadv ? false
-, enableTextureFloats ? false # Texture floats are patented, see docs/patents.txt
+# Texture floats are patented, see docs/patents.txt, but Debian enables them.
+, enableTextureFloats ? true
 , galliumDrivers ? null
 , driDrivers ? null
 , vulkanDrivers ? null