The "Florida Speech and Debate Education Act of 2026" aims to enhance speech and debate education in Florida by establishing the Florida Debate Initiative (FDI) as the official organization for managing K-20 programs. Key features of the bill include the creation of Florida Speech and Debate Week, the establishment of a Speech and Debate Hall of Fame, and a requirement for the State Board of Education to develop a speech and debate endorsement for teaching certificates. Additionally, school districts are mandated to provide equitable support for competitive speech and debate teams, similar to that of athletic teams. The FDI will be responsible for managing competitions, training coaches, and providing programmatic support, while the Institute for Speech and Debate Innovation will be established within the Florida Virtual School to modernize instructional access.

House Bill 1059 further enhances the Florida Debate Initiative by expanding access to debate coursework in various formats and requiring the Articulation Coordinating Committee to approve these courses for dual enrollment. The bill allocates $4.75 million in recurring funds from the General Revenue Fund for the 2026-2027 fiscal year to support administrative operations, regional debate teams, and the establishment of teaching endorsements. It also includes funding for the creation of a Speech and Debate Hall of Fame exhibit. The act is set to take effect on January 1, 2027, promoting civic engagement, critical thinking, and leadership skills among students through enhanced speech and debate education.