Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is actively opposing federal efforts to preempt state-level artificial intelligence laws, arguing that any such move would grant "amnesty for Big Tech" while failing to provide a comprehensive national framework, according to a recent report. Simultaneously, the state's Attorney General James Uthmeier has launched a high-profile investigation into OpenAI over its alleged role in aiding a suspect in a Florida State University shooting and filed a lawsuit against CEO Sam Altman, accusing the company of prioritizing profits over consumer safety. The dual offensive marks a significant escalation in the ongoing power struggle between state and federal authorities over the governance of emerging technologies.

Why DeSantis Calls Federal AI Preemption "Amnesty for Big Tech"

Governor DeSantis has framed his opposition around the claim that a federal override of state AI laws, without a robust national framework, would effectively shield large technology companies from accountability, as reported. The White House and its congressional allies are reportedly exploring strategies to revive legislation that would preempt state AI rules, aiming to avoid a "patchwork" of diverse state regulations that they argue could stifle innovation. but DeSantis contends that such a move would favor Silicon Valley giants at the expense of state sovereignty and public safety. His administration views the federal push as a power grab that protects the interests of large tech corporations rather than fostering responsible regulation.

Florida's Double Legal Strike : An OpenAI Investigation and a Lawsuit Against Sam Altman

Beyond the legislative sphere, Florida is pursuing aggressive legal action against AI developer OpenAI . Attorney General James Uthmeier has launched an investigation into OpenAI's alleged role in aiding a suspect involved in a shooting at Florida State University, marking a pivot toward treating AI platforms as potential liabilities in criminal contexts, the report states. Separately, Uthmeier has filed a lawsuit against OpenAI and its CEO, Sam Altman, alleging that the company knowingly prioritized profit margnis over consumer safety. This makes Florida the first state to target Altman personally in court, signaling a shift toward holding tech executives accountable under law.

A Republican Rift: DeSantis vs. Trump on State-Led Tech Oversight

The ideological divide over AI regulation extends within the Republican party. While former President Donald Trump has generally advocated for a lighter federal touch and sought to limit what he perceives as burdensome state regulations, DeSantis has positioned himself as the most vocal proponent for stronger state-level oversight, according to the source. This internal GOP friction highlights a broader debate over where the power to regulate emerging technologies should reside. DeSantis previously argued that any nationwide preemption must be enacted explicitly by Congress rather than through administrative maneuvers, a stance that directly challenges the White House's strategy of attaching preemption clauses to larger technology bills.

What Killed DeSantis' AI Bill of Rights in the Florida House?

DeSantis's own state-level legislative push—an AI bill of rights—faced a significant hurdle when the Florida House declined to hear the proposal. the report notes that the House ultimately sided with the views expressed by the White House, illustrating that the battle over AI is fought not only between states and the federal government but also within state legislatures themselves. This failure raises open questions: Will DeSantis reintroduce the bill? And what does the Florida House's decision indicate about the influence of federal pressure on state lawmakers? The unresolved outcome suggests that even within Florida, the path to state-led AI regulation remains uncertain.