Central Florida Democratic State Representative Leonard Spencer responded to Republican Governor Ron DeSantis’ veto of HB 827.
The legislation, HB 827 Statewide Study on Automation and Workforce Impact, would have directed the Department of Commerce to complete a comprehensive statewide study on the impacts of automation, artificial intelligence (AI), and robotics on the Florida workforce, including the impact of job losses.
“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,” said Representative Leonard Spencer, a Winter Garden Democrat. “HB 827 would have directed the Florida Department of Commerce to conduct a regular statewide study on the impact of automation, artificial intelligence, and robotics on our workforce. It was a proactive, data-driven approach—designed not to regulate innovation, but to better understand how it is reshaping our economy, labor markets, and communities.”
The Winter Garden State Representative also noted the legislation had bipartisan support from Republicans and Democrats.
“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,” Rep. Leonard Spencer said. “The goal of HB 827 was simple: provide policymakers, businesses, and educators with actionable insights so we can invest in the right skills, support displaced workers, and ensure Florida’s economy remains strong, inclusive, and forward-looking.”
Republican Governor Ron DeSantis did not support the legislation and explained his veto.
“Recognizing that AI trends are ever-evolving in delivery, skill development, and in-demand career tracks, it makes no sense to wait for a report to be published by the state’s labor statistics bureau. Indeed, such a report – to the extent it has value – would likely be obsolete by the time it was actually published,” Governor Ron DeSantis wrote in his veto letter. “For these reasons, I withhold my approval of HB 827 and do hereby veto the same.”
The Central Florida Democratic Representative thinks the questions need to be answered, and said the bill was about making sure Florida is ready to lead in an economy driven by innovation, not just react to it.
“While I am disappointed in the veto, I remain committed to this mission. I will continue working with colleagues, industry leaders, and workforce experts to ensure Florida has the tools to navigate this technological shift—strategically and equitably,” Representative Leonard Spencer said. “We cannot afford to ignore the future. We must face it head-on, with clarity, courage, and collaboration.”
We the tax paying residents of Florida need this liberal Democrat to understand that we don’t want our hard earned tax dollars wasted on this kind of crap!