Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has emerged as the top critic and skeptic of artificial intelligence. The Florida Republican has been adamant on his state’s authority to regulate AI, despite the actions taken federally to spearhead its development. “Let’s not try to act like some type of fake videos or fake songs are going to deliver us to some kind of utopia,” DeSantis said in December, according to POLITICO. “The idea of this transhumanist strain, that somehow this is going to supplant humans and this other stuff, we have to reject that with every fiber of our being,” he said at an event, the outlet noted. “We as individual human beings are the ones that were endowed by God with certain inalienable rights. That’s what our country was founded upon — they did not endow machines or these computers for this,” he added. “Why would people want to allow the human experience to be displaced by computers? As a creation of man, AI will not be divorced from the flaws of human nature; indeed, it is more likely to magnify those flaws. This is not safe; it is dangerous,” DeSantis previously wrote on X. Why would people want to allow the human experience to be displaced by computers? As a creation of man, AI will not be divorced from the flaws of human nature; indeed, it is more likely to magnify those flaws. This is not safe; it is dangerous. https://t.co/6wd65b8qjR — Ron DeSantis (@RonDeSantis) November 8, 2025 The two-term governor has also stood in opposition to data centers, attempting to deter their development in the Sunshine State. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is taking a hard stance against techno-optimism and AI data centers in the state of Florida. He has pushed for regulations requiring companies to notify consumers when they use AI, supported bans on AI-provided mental health counseling, and opposed… pic.twitter.com/yPd9BUAfEe — AF Post (@AFpost) January 8, 2026 POLITICO shared more: The standoff places DeSantis on a collision course not only with tech companies, but with Trump’s effort to position himself as the party’s chief arbiter of AI policy. While the president has embraced the technology as a strategic and economic imperative to be managed at the federal level, DeSantis is arguing unchecked growth — particularly data centers and automation — threatens workers, communities and democratic norms. The divide exposes a deeper tension in the GOP over whether AI should be accelerated, constrained or fundamentally rethought. Florida in 2026 is poised to join many other states considering new AI policies and attempting to implement guardrails. For the term-limited DeSantis, passing AI protections is a top priority heading into his final regular legislative session as governor starting in January. DeSantis introduced a slate of recommendations for Florida lawmakers, calling on them to require companies to notify consumers when they are interacting with AI, prohibit the use of therapy or mental health counseling through AI and give parents more controls over how their children use the technology. At the same time, DeSantis wants to restrict the growth of data centers that fuel AI efforts by stopping any state subsidies to tech companies and curbing such facilities from drying up local water resources. DeSantis made headlines last month by proposing a “Citizen Bill of Rights for Artificial Intelligence” to protect consumers. Gov. Ron DeSantis Proposes “Artificial Intelligence Bill Of Rights” “Additionally, Governor DeSantis announced a proposal to protect Floridians from footing the bill for Hyperscale AI Data Centers and to empower local governments to reject their development in their communities,” a press release read. “Today, I proposed new legislation on artificial intelligence and AI data centers to protect Floridians’ privacy, security, and quality of life,” DeSantis said. “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,” he continued. As Al continues to develop we're committed to safeguarding Floridians' rights, data, tax dollars, and way of life. Today, I was proud to announce new legislation that will establish an Artificial Intelligence Bill of Rights in Florida, as well as legislation that will protect… pic.twitter.com/58hbO6uLQl — Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) December 4, 2025 Fox Business reported last month: Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, a Republican, said on Monday that state officials have the right to regulate artificial intelligence despite President Trump’s recent executive order aiming to require a national AI standard the president argues would overrule state laws. Speaking at Florida Atlantic University, DeSantis said Trump's order does not block states from adopting their own AI regulations. "The president issued an executive order. Some people were saying well no, this blocks the states," the governor said. "It doesn't." "You should read it and see. First of all, an executive order can’t block states," he continued. "You can preempt states under Article 1 powers through congressional legislation on certain issues, but you can’t do it through executive order." Although the governor said Trump's order does not block state regulations, he said Florida's proposed rules are similar to what the White House is seeking at the federal level. "If you read it, they actually say a lot of the stuff we’re talking about are things that they’re encouraging states to do," DeSantis said. "So even reading it very broadly, I think the stuff we’re doing is going to be very consistent. But irrespective, clearly we have a right to do this."