Florida business groups caution not to overregulate AI

It passed unanimously through the Senate Commerce and Tourism Committee on Jan. 21, but there was a clear difference between business groups who urged caution in overregulating AI and consumer groups who wanted the bill to give more teeth to the enforcement measures if AI platforms violate the law.

Amy Keith, executive director of Common Cause of Florida, urged the panel to add regular audits and disclosure requirements for AI platforms to ensure compliance so consumers aren’t victimized.

“Floridians deserve to know when AI decides when they’re getting a job, when AI decides whether or not they’re getting a loan, when AI decides whether or not they’re getting an apartment to live in the middle of our housing crisis,” Keith said.

But Adam Basford, vice president of governmental affairs for Associated Industries of Florida, a large business lobby, noted many major sectors are using AI — transportation, energy, agriculture, retail and health care.

“Obviously there guidelines, boundaries that need to be set and put into place but also we don’t need to stifle the potential innovation that it holds for the business community to help consumers to help businesses and help Florida move forward,” said Basford, who added AIF isn’t opposed to the bill but wants to see changes as it advances.

Leek said he’s open to amendments but won’t weaken protections for parents or children in the bill. He added that he doesn’t think the bill conflicts with the executive order from President Donald Trump that attempts to nullify all state-level AI laws, and doesn’t think Congress will act to impose federal regulations any time soon.

“If we don’t act and Congress doesn’t act those protections wont exist for Florida’s children,” Leek said.