Florida's AI Stand: Protecting People or Stifling Progress?

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is making waves with his strong stance against artificial intelligence. He's not just fighting cultural battles this time; he's worried about jobs, the economy, and even democracy itself. DeSantis is particularly concerned about data centers. These massive facilities are popping up all over the country, and he's trying to slow their growth in Florida. He believes they could disrupt local communities and drain resources. He's also worried about AI's impact on jobs and the economy. He's even warned about deepfakes and manipulation, saying they could pose a threat to democracy. DeSantis is on a collision course with tech companies and even former President Donald Trump. Trump sees AI as a strategic and economic imperative, while DeSantis believes unchecked growth could threaten workers and communities. This divide highlights a deeper tension in the Republican Party over how to handle AI. Florida is poised to join many other states considering new AI policies. DeSantis has introduced a slate of recommendations for lawmakers, including requiring companies to notify consumers when they are interacting with AI, prohibiting the use of AI for therapy or mental health counseling, and giving parents more control over how their children use the technology. He also wants to restrict the growth of data centers by stopping state subsidies to tech companies and curbing their use of local water resources. However, DeSantis' proposals still need to pass the Legislature and could face opposition from Big Tech companies. The state House has held more than a dozen AI hearings in December, with lawmakers discussing how to balance safeguards with industry growth.DeSantis is confident his proposals will stay off the federal government's radar. He believes his plans align with the 10th Amendment rights of states. But with Trump's executive order looming, there's some uncertainty over how states can legislate AI. One of the biggest issues to watch in 2026 is how Florida responds to the nationwide data center boom. So far, Florida hasn't seen a large-scale data center like Georgia and Louisiana have, but there are at least two major projects in development. Local officials recently put a 202-acre data center proposed in Palm Beach County on hold as they await potential action by the Legislature. The tech industry is touting data centers as job creators and economic drivers. But residents fear they will bring pollution, utility rate hikes, noise, and drain key water resources. DeSantis isn't sold on the idea of data centers either. He recently remarked that Louisiana built a facility the "size of Manhattan" and questioned if Floridians would want to see something similar. With their legislative session beginning in January, Florida lawmakers have already advanced one AI bill. The legislation targets AI in the insurance industry, requiring a "qualified human professional" to make the ultimate decision on claim denials or reductions. The measure also notes that insurers could still use AI and algorithms to process claims and offer recommendations. DeSantis sees new AI laws as another way to crack down on Big Tech companies. He believes they haven't gotten enough oversight from Congress. Florida has already passed legislation aimed at thwarting social media companies from censoring political candidates and prohibiting children younger than 14 from using many platforms. DeSantis believes building new AI protections for consumers and families is popular policy that transcends party lines. He thinks many people have concerns about the potential impacts of AI on the horizon.