Florida Governor Ron DeSantis defies President Trump’s federal AI executive order with a bold state “AI Bill of Rights,” prioritizing parental control and family protections over unchecked Big Tech expansion.
Story Highlights
- DeSantis announced comprehensive AI safeguards on December 5, 2025, targeting deepfakes, privacy breaches, and harmful chatbots to shield families and consumers.
- Bills SB 482 and HB 659 filed in late December 2025, set for Florida’s January 13, 2026 session debate despite Trump’s preemptive federal order.
- Proposal empowers parents with AI conversation access and behavior alerts, bans unauthorized likeness use, and blocks therapy-mimicking bots.
- Separate measures limit AI data center subsidies, protect ratepayers from energy costs, and give locals veto power over developments.
- DeSantis asserts state rights against federal overreach, framing the push as essential for child safety and infrastructure integrity.
DeSantis Unveils AI Bill of Rights
On December 5, 2025, Governor Ron DeSantis released a detailed “Artificial Intelligence Bill of Rights” through his office press release. The legislation consolidates protections against AI risks including deepfakes, unauthorized personal likeness exploitation, and data privacy violations. DeSantis emphasized immediate state action to safeguard Floridians from rapid AI deployment that threatens privacy and family well-being. This unified framework builds on Florida’s existing deepfake laws and other states’ piecemeal efforts. Parental rights feature prominently, with requirements for AI services to provide conversation transcripts and behavioral alerts for minors’ interactions.
Legislative Push Amid Federal Tension
Senator Tom Leek filed SB 482 in the Senate, while Representative Christine Hunschofsky introduced companion HB 659 in the House during late December 2025. These bills mirror DeSantis’ proposals and show bipartisan momentum ahead of Florida’s short legislative session from January 13 to March 13, 2026. President Trump signed an executive order in December 2025 promoting “minimally burdensome” federal AI policy and preempting state regulations. DeSantis directly challenged this, stating Florida has the right to enact protections irrespective of federal moves. He highlighted consistency with national child safety goals while prioritizing local control.
Targeted Protections for Families and Infrastructure
The AI Bill of Rights mandates disclosures for AI-generated content, bans sales of biometric data without consent, and prohibits chatbots from posing as therapists. Parents gain tools to monitor children’s AI usage, addressing concerns over unregulated access to vulnerable youth. DeSantis warned that some AI content proves harmful for young people, aligning with conservative values of family oversight. A companion proposal regulates AI data centers by barring state subsidies, shielding ratepayers from higher energy costs, and empowering local governments to reject projects straining power grids and water supplies.
These measures curb Big Tech’s infrastructure demands, preventing foreign-owned facilities from burdening Florida taxpayers. DeSantis positioned the initiative as proactive defense for wallets, privacy, and children against reckless expansion.
Why DeSantis Believes AI Needs Tight Regulation Now https://t.co/0ZqpvdbmdU
— zerohedge (@zerohedge) February 7, 2026
Stakeholder Dynamics and Broader Impacts
AI companies face new compliance costs from disclosure rules, parental controls, and data restrictions, contrasting Trump’s innovation-focused federal approach. Legal experts describe the state-federal dynamic as a collision course, with Florida’s consumer safeguards testing preemption limits. Ratepayers and local communities benefit from veto powers over data centers, preserving control against industry growth. Bipartisan bill support signals legislative viability, potentially inspiring other states. DeSantis seeks a legacy on tech-family issues, heightening GOP debates on states’ rights versus national uniformity.
Sources:
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