Florida has emerged as a leading state in efforts to regulate artificial intelligence (AI) and rein in the influence of major technology companies, with a series of aggressive legal and legislative actions taking place this month. Spearheaded by Governor Ron DeSantis and Attorney General James Uthmeier, both Republicans, the state has pursued measures aimed at protecting minors from online harms, increasing consumer privacy, and imposing restrictions on AI model development.
In early October, Florida's attorney general secured a court ruling that permits a ban on social media use for minors and sought additional court orders requiring parental consent for minors downloading apps. The state also filed a lawsuit against messaging platform Discord, alleging the company failed to adequately protect children from online predators. Meanwhile, Florida’s legal scrutiny of AI has intensified following a 2025 shooting at Florida State University, in which authorities reviewed communications between the suspected shooter and OpenAI’s ChatGPT.
Florida has taken the unusual step of opening a criminal investigation into OpenAI, alongside filing a civil lawsuit against the company and its CEO, Sam Altman. The lawsuit alleges the release of ChatGPT constituted an unsafe product that facilitates self-harm and violence. In September, Uthmeier requested a temporary injunction barring OpenAI from developing new AI models without implementing safety guards. OpenAI has rejected responsibility for the Florida State shooting, emphasizing its commitment to collaborating with states on pragmatic AI regulations.
These actions come amid rising public concern over AI’s rapid development, potential to disrupt the labor market, and risks of unregulated use. Florida has long opposed the establishment of large data centers within its borders, citing the societal impacts of the technology sector’s growth. DeSantis has characterized Big Tech companies as wielding excessive power, particularly to the detriment of children, casting his efforts as part of a broader populist agenda.
Florida’s approach contrasts with the Trump administration’s preference for minimal regulation in the AI industry. A 2025 executive order from Trump advocates for national standards that avoid a patchwork of state-by-state regulations and encourages innovation without heavy-handed oversight. Other states, including California and New York, have also pursued comprehensive AI frameworks, emphasizing safety and transparency.
The prominence of AI regulation has extended into Florida’s current gubernatorial race. Republican candidate Byron Donalds supports AI’s economic potential but stresses child protection and local control over data centers. Democrat David Jolly acknowledges AI’s benefits yet favors slowing its expansion and instituting a moratorium on hyperscale data centers.
Despite DeSantis’s efforts, some initiatives have faced legislative hurdles. A proposed “AI bill of rights” aimed at enhancing protections for consumers and minors passed the Florida Senate but stalled in the House. DeSantis highlighted the urgency of addressing AI-related risks, linking the issue to fundamental questions about human agency, constitutional rights, and economic stability.
Representatives from Meta and Discord declined detailed comment, while Discord noted that its safety measures combine advanced technology with human oversight, rejecting Florida’s characterization of the platform. DeSantis’s and Uthmeier’s offices did not respond to requests for additional comment. As states and federal agencies continue debating AI’s regulation, Florida’s proactive stance signals an intensifying push to balance innovation with public safety.