Collins’ Shift on AI Regulation
Florida gubernatorial candidate Lt. Gov. Jay Collins is advocating for stringent regulations concerning the expansion of artificial intelligence (AI). This comes as a bit of a surprise, given that he was a prominent supporter of AI during his tenure in the state Senate.
Collins has proposed a framework known as The Florida Strong Plan, which aims to closely regulate AI data centers by mandating that companies finance their own infrastructural needs.
His campaign has made AI a significant topic in the race, particularly targeting Rep. Byron Donald, a candidate who supports Trump. A recent video from Collins’ campaign paints a grim future attributed to the rapid growth of AI technology.
In the video, a character implores an AI version of Donald, “Please don’t allow any more data centers. Our electricity bill has already quadrupled and we don’t have clean water anymore.”
Despite his current anti-AI rhetoric, Collins was once a staunch advocate during his time in the Senate. In 2025, he pushed for SB 1264, a bill that aimed to provide tax incentives for AI data centers while eliminating a time limit on tax credits for them.
He argued that maintaining these tax breaks would lead to “significant investment in job creation in local communities,” adding that these centers required time to make substantial investments. “We’re talking about megawatts,” he noted, emphasizing the necessity of a stable environment for such businesses.
Collins also mentioned that attracting a data center to Florida could produce noteworthy financial returns, stating, “So even if we get one out of three, it’s a significant investment in our future.”
Critics are pointing out what they see as hypocrisy, with one source describing him as a “desperate single-digit candidate” who recognizes his dwindling relevance in the political landscape.
A representative from Collins’ camp responded, asserting that there is no inconsistency in his positions. They emphasized that Collins aims to stimulate growth and innovation tailored to Florida’s needs, insisting on clear standards while safeguarding residents from excessive costs. “That’s the DeSantis standard. Build here, but build on Florida’s terms,” they added.
The spokesperson further noted that the timing of this narrative is significant, especially with the AI industry reportedly investing $5 million to support his opponent.
