Artificial intelligence, without strong Florida state protections, threatens the most fundamental institution in society: the family. Left unchecked, AI will erode parental rights, displace human authority and redefine childhood in ways parents never consented to.
This is not about opposing technology. It is about who holds the primary role in shaping a child’s values, beliefs and development.
Across Florida and the nation, children are spending unprecedented amounts of time interacting with artificial intelligence. AI powered chat tools, digital tutors and personalized companions are increasingly positioned as trusted guides in young lives. These systems do more than answer questions. They influence thinking, behavior, emotional development and worldview. When a machine becomes a child’s constant counselor, parents are no longer the primary voice.
Parental rights do not disappear because technology is convenient.
Medical research and child development experts have repeatedly warned about the impact of excessive screen exposure on developing brains. Replacing human relationships with algorithm driven interaction during critical developmental years alters how children learn, connect and mature. This is not innovation. It is experimentation on an entire generation without parental consent.
Even more alarming is how quickly society is normalizing the surrender of authority to artificial intelligence. A recent Heartland Rasmussen poll found that 36 percent of likely voters ages 18 to 39 would support granting AI the authority to determine rights related to speech, religion, government authority and property. That statistic should stop every parent cold. Rights belong to people and families, not machines trained by corporations.
We have already seen tragic real world consequences tied to AI use, including deaths. These are early warning signs. Waiting for irreversible harm before acting would be a profound failure of leadership.
Florida’s legislative session is now past its midpoint. Lawmakers in both chambers have introduced multiple AI related bills, and Governor Ron DeSantis has called for an AI Bill of Rights to protect Floridians. That call recognizes an essential truth: technology must serve people, not replace parents or undermine families.
Yet, despite public statements and bill filings, political dysfunction threatens to leave Florida families with nothing more than talking points. If this session ends without meaningful protections, leaders may claim they tried, but parents will live with the consequences of inaction.
Some argue Florida should wait for federal action. That argument ignores both history, the Constitution, and reality.
In December 2025, President Donald Trump issued an Executive Order calling for a national framework for artificial intelligence while warning against excessive state regulation that stifles innovation. However, that same order explicitly preserves state authority to enact laws related to child safety protections. Florida is not prohibited from acting. It is empowered to do so.
Relying solely on a future federal framework is risky at best. Time and again, major federal policies have been shaped by the industries most affected by them. When Big Tech writes the rules, families rarely come first. Parents should not be asked to trust that corporations will voluntarily protect children when profit incentives point the other way.
Artificial intelligence is a powerful tool. Like any tool, it can be used to build or to destroy. A hammer can construct a home or cause harm. AI is no different. Without clear boundaries, it will reshape childhood in ways parents never approved and cannot undo.
Florida’s leaders have a choice. They can protect parental rights, safeguard children and ensure that artificial intelligence remains a tool rather than a substitute authority. Or they can allow delay, division and political calculation to leave families exposed.
We call on Governor DeSantis, Speaker Perez and Senate President Albritton to set aside political rivalries and resist the influence of Big Tech money. Florida does not need symbolic gestures. It needs enforceable protections that recognize parents as the primary decision makers in their children’s lives.
Children do not belong to algorithms. They belong to families.
Florida Citizens Alliance Coalition Members:
Moms for America
Stand for Health Freedom
Citizens Defending Freedom
Florida Citizens Alliance
Watchman Action
Christian Family Coalition
Florida Family Voice
America’s Future
Florida Republican Assembly
The Salt and Light Council
We Impact the Nation
Liberty Sentinel
Defend Florida
Winter Haven 912
Informed Church
Foundation for Freedom
About Ryan Kennedy, Chief of Operations, Florida Citizens Alliance:
As a longtime advocate for educational and conservative issues, he has been successful at advocating for change for 7 years including the time he has worked with FLCA. Spearheading numerous initiatives—including two Porn in Schools reports—he has worked tirelessly to remove explicit materials from Florida classrooms. During his three successful years of advocacy with FLCA, no legislation that we strongly opposed was passed. Ryan has been instrumental in advancing pro–school choice, pro-family, and pro-life policies across the state.
He has worked in the nonprofit and private sector both locally and statewide. He brings to the team policy, sales, and advocacy experience. Ryan successfully served as the Program Director of Educational Policy and Advocacy for 3 years before taking on the role of Chief of Operations.
