TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida lawmakers are spending the week focused on artificial intelligence, launching the Capitol’s first AI-themed agenda as state leaders and Washington clash over who should write the rules.
What You Need To Know
Florida lawmakers are discussing AI regulations focused on protecting individual rights
President Trump wants one national framework for AI, potentially blocking state-specific laws
Lawmakers are expected to continue hearings and workshops through the week
President Donald Trump intends to issue an executive order that would block states from crafting their own AI regulations, arguing that a single national framework is necessary to keep the United States competitive.
“There must be only one rulebook if we are going to continue to lead in A-I,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
Gov. Ron DeSantis, meanwhile, is urging lawmakers to march ahead, pressing for what he calls an AI Bill of Rights that would tighten protections for Floridians.
“We will never ever be able to shed ourselves of our responsibility to think for ourselves,” DeSantis said. “We cannot turn it over to machines and think it’s all going to work out great in the end.”
DeSantis’ proposal would add new guardrails around AI, including parental controls for minors, limits on commercial use of a person’s name, image and likeness, and clear notices when consumers are interacting with AI chatbots.
The plan also goes after energy-hungry data centers by barring utilities from raising rates to support them and blocking taxpayer subsidies for their construction. The proposal will need to Florida House and Senate’s support.
“He’s got concerns about how it impacts Floridians on a personal and individual basis,” said Senate President Ben Albritton, R-Bartow. “And making sure those liberties are protected.”
Democrats, while open to new rules for AI, want more attention on how automation could reshape the job market.
House Minority Leader Fentrice Driskell, D-Tampa, said lawmakers should consider training and transition tools so workers are not left behind.
“We wanna make sure that we’re having those conversations — that we’re doing what we can to protect workers and minimize job loss,” she said. “Making sure workers are getting the opportunity to get trained on new technologies so they don’t get displaced.”
One bill under consideration would curb the use of AI in insurance by prohibiting companies from relying solely on automated systems to approve or deny claims.
“While these tools can improve speed and efficiency, no Floridians should have a claim denied based solely on an automated output,” said State Rep. Hillary Cassel, D-Hollywood.
Lawmakers are expected to continue hearings and workshops through the week, with the 2026 Legislative Session kicking off in January.