The Florida Legislature has approved a bill directing a statewide study on how automation, artificial intelligence and robotics are expected to reshape the state’s industries and workforce, sending the measure to the Governor’s desk for signature.

House Bill 827, sponsored by Rep. Leonard Spencer and Sen. Tracie Davis, tasks the Bureau of Workforce Statistics and Economic Research within the Department of Commerce with analyzing the economic impacts of emerging automation technologies.

The study will focus 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.

Under the bill, the bureau is authorized to consult with business leaders, academic institutions, and local economic development groups to complete its analysis. A report of findings and policy recommendations must be submitted to the Governor, Senate President, and House Speaker by December 1, 2025, with updates required every three years thereafter.

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.”

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.”

The bill, which passed with unanimous committee support, carries an indeterminate fiscal impact, but the Department of Commerce is expected to absorb the cost of the study within its existing resources. It is scheduled to take effect July 1, 2025, pending the Governor’s approval.