Gov. Ron DeSantis vetoed a bill on Friday that would have required a statewide study on how automation, artificial intelligence and robotics are expected to reshape the state’s industries and workforce,

House Bill 827, sponsored by Rep. Leonard Spencer and Sen. Tracie Davis, would have tasked the Bureau of Workforce Statistics and Economic Research within the Department of Commerce with analyzing the economic impacts of emerging automation technologies. The study would have focused on identifying industries and geographic regions most vulnerable to job displacement, evaluating the demographics of workers most at risk, and assessing the broader effects on wages, job quality, and productivity.

“Today, I respectfully express my disappointment in Governor DeSantis’s decision to veto House Bill 827, legislation I proudly sponsored to ensure Florida remains competitive in the face of accelerating technological change,” Rep. Leonard said. “This legislation earned bipartisan support because Floridians across the political spectrum recognize that technology is rapidly transforming jobs—from logistics and health care to finance and education. Without a clear understanding of these trends, we risk being reactive rather than prepared.”

As the bill passed both braches of the Florida Legislature, Rep. Spencer said the bill is about ensuring Florida’s workforce is equipped for the rapid changes driven by automation and AI.

“I’ve seen the impact of automation and AI up close. I’ve seen how these forces can reshape entire industries, disrupt the livelihood of everyday hardworking people, and at the same time, spark entirely new fields and opportunities almost overnight,” he said. “But opportunity isn’t automatic, we have to be intentional and we have to prepare for it. That’s why workforce development isn’t just a policy priority for me, it is a promise to Florida’s future. Our ability to thrive in this new era depends on how we respond today. HB 827 is about making sure our response is rooted in facts, and guided by data, not guesswork. It is an important step to equip our workers with the skills to succeed, foster innovation, and ensure Florida is the leader in shaping the economy of tomorrow.”

Meanwhile Davis described the legislation as vital to understanding the future of work in Florida.

“HB 827 is crucial to providing an understanding about AI’s impact on our workforce – where those jobs are, where they’re going, and who it will impact,” she said. “Automation has been both a factor and a fear in many industries for years and being able to look ahead to the real-world impacts will inform the Legislature how to adjust to an ever-changing economic landscape.”