PROVIDED SUMMARY
Speech and Debate Education; Designates Florida Speech & Debate Week annually in February; subject to legislative appropriation, establishing Florida Debate Initiative, Inc., (FDI) as statewide speech & debate organization that performs certain functions in support of Florida Civics & Debate Initiative (FCDI) in DOE; provides duties of FDI & FCDI.
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Plain English Summary
AI-GENERATED
Creates a state-funded debate organization and annual observance week.
The bill establishes the Florida Debate Initiative, Inc. (FDI) as the state's official nonprofit for K-20 speech and debate programs, subject to legislative appropriation.
It designates February 1-7 as Florida Speech and Debate Week, which public and charter schools may observe.
The FDI is authorized to manage programs, train coaches and judges, and host the annual National Civics and Debate Championship alongside the Department of Education.
The FDI must submit an annual public report to the Department of Education detailing student participation, team numbers, outcomes, and expenditures.
KEY PROVISIONS
§ 1
Establishment of Florida Debate Initiative, Inc. (FDI)
majors. 1000.09(1)(a)
AICreates a new statewide nonprofit organization to manage K-20 civics, speech, and debate programs, subject to legislative appropriation.
“the Florida Debate Initiative, Inc., (FDI) is established as this state's nonprofit statewide speech and debate organization that manages, develops, and expands K-20 civics, speech”
bill text, line 50 →
AIRequires the FCDI and FDI to jointly host and operate the annual National Civics and Debate Championship known as The Great Debate.
“The FCDI and FDI shall jointly host and operate the annual National Civics and Debate Championship known as The Great Debate”
bill text, line 76 →
AIMandates the FDI to publish an annual report to the Department of Education by December 31, including student participation, team counts, outcomes, and expenditures.
“The FDI shall make publicly available online and submit, no later than December 31 of each year, an annual report to the Department of Education”
bill text, line 111 →
§ 4
Designation of Florida Speech and Debate Week
moderates. 683.221(1)
AIDesignates February 1 through February 7 as Florida Speech and Debate Week, which public and charter schools may observe.
“February 1 through February 7 shall be annually designated as "Florida Speech and Debate Week."”
bill text, line 29 →
TIMELINE
3/2/2026
Added to Second Reading Calendar
3/2/2026
Bill referred to House Calendar
2/26/2026
1st Reading (Committee Substitute 2)
2/26/2026
Laid on Table under Rule 7.18(a)
2/26/2026
Reported out of Education & Employment Committee
2/26/2026
Favorable with CS by Education & Employment Committee
2/24/2026
PCS added to Education & Employment Committee agenda
2/12/2026
Now in Education & Employment Committee
2/12/2026
Referred to Education & Employment Committee
2/11/2026
1st Reading (Committee Substitute 1)
2/11/2026
Laid on Table under Rule 7.18(a)
2/11/2026
Reported out of Student Academic Success Subcommittee
2/11/2026
Favorable with CS by Student Academic Success Subcommittee
2/9/2026
PCS added to Student Academic Success Subcommittee agenda
1/13/2026
1st Reading (Original Filed Version)
1/12/2026
Now in Student Academic Success Subcommittee
1/12/2026
Referred to Education & Employment Committee
1/12/2026
Referred to PreK-12 Budget Subcommittee
1/12/2026
Referred to Student Academic Success Subcommittee
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STATUTES IT CHANGES
STAFF ANALYSES