Portrait of Ron DeSantis
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Ron DeSantis on Artificial Intelligence (AI)

State AI regulator (strong)

TL;DR

Ron DeSantis advocates for strong state-level consumer protections through an AI Bill of Rights while diverging from federal inaction.

Key Points

  • He proposed legislation establishing an AI Bill of Rights to define and safeguard consumer rights, including data privacy and parental controls, announced in December 2025.

  • He asserted that Florida has the right to regulate artificial intelligence even if the president issues an executive order establishing a national AI standard.

  • His proposals seek to prevent utilities from charging Florida residents more to support the development costs of AI data centers, ensuring no taxpayer subsidies for 'Big Tech'.

Summary

Ron DeSantis has taken a proactive stance on Artificial Intelligence regulation, proposing specific legislation for Florida in the form of an Artificial Intelligence Bill of Rights to safeguard residents' privacy, security, and quality of life. His core position emphasizes that technology should enhance lives rather than control them or supplant human roles, especially concerning deepfakes and vulnerable populations like children and minors. His proposals include mandating transparency in communication, requiring parental controls for minors using AI chatbots, banning the non-consensual use of an individual's name or likeness via generative AI, and restricting government use of foreign-created AI tools.

While advocating for these consumer safeguards, DeSantis has signaled a willingness to clash with federal policy, asserting that Florida retains the right to regulate AI despite potential executive orders from the president aimed at establishing a national standard that might preempt state action. He also proposed measures to protect consumers from the financial burdens of AI data centers, specifically prohibiting utilities from passing these development costs onto residents and allowing local governments to reject construction. This dual focus on consumer protection and state sovereignty in regulation forms the foundation of his approach to governing the emerging technology.

Key Quotes

“Today, I propose new legislation on artificial intelligence and AI data centers to protect Floridians' privacy, security, and quality of life. Our AI proposal will establish an Artificial Intelligence Bill of Rights to define and safeguard Floridians' rights – including data privacy, parental controls, consumer protections and restrictions on AI use of an individual's name, image or likeness without consent.”

“An executive order doesn't/can't preempt state legislative action.”

“The idea that AI "is going to supplant humans and this other stuff, we have to reject that with every fiber of our being,” DeSantis said at a Dec. 15 event in Jupiter, Florida, Politico reports.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ron DeSantis favors strong state-level regulation for Artificial Intelligence, proposing an AI Bill of Rights for Florida consumers. He believes this is necessary to protect privacy, security, and quality of life against risks like deepfakes and non-consensual image use.

Yes, the Governor has stated that an executive order cannot preempt state legislative action on AI. He expressed confidence that Florida's actions would survive potential federal scrutiny.

His proposed protections include banning the use of an individual's name, image, or likeness without consent and requiring notice to consumers when interacting with AI systems like chatbots. For minors, he proposed specific parental control measures.