The Florida Speech and Debate Education Act aims to enhance speech and debate education throughout Florida by establishing the Florida Speech and Debate Hall of Fame in the Capitol Building and designating the first week of February as Florida Speech and Debate Week. The bill designates the Florida Debate Initiative, Inc. as the official organization to manage K-20 speech and debate programs, including the creation of regional traveling debate teams and a charter school focused on this educational area. Additionally, it mandates that high school students complete at least one-half credit in speech and debate to graduate starting in the 2028-2029 school year and requires the Florida Virtual School to create the Institute for Speech and Debate Innovation for developing online curricula.

The legislation introduces new provisions for tournament management, adjudication, and public speaking pedagogy, while allowing the Board of Governors and the State Board of Education to collaborate with the Florida Debate Initiative, Inc. to develop relevant coursework for dual enrollment programs. The bill allocates significant funding from the General Revenue Fund, including $2.4 million for the Florida Debate Initiative and $1 million for a Debate Across the Curriculum Pilot Program. Further appropriations for the 2027-2028 fiscal year total $3.8 million for the Florida Speech and Debate Academy, which will support various educational needs. The act is set to take effect on January 1, 2027, reflecting a strong commitment to improving debate and public speaking skills among students in Florida.