Last Call for 11.18.25 – A prime-time read of what’s going down in Florida

Last Call – A prime-time read of what’s going down in Florida politics.

First Shot

House Speaker Daniel Perez is directing Representatives to spend the final interim Committee week ahead of Session focused on the opportunities and risks posed by artificial intelligence, calling it an increasingly urgent policy area heading into the 2025 Session.

In a memo to members Tuesday, Perez said interest in AI has come up repeatedly in conversations across the chamber — not only its potential to create new economic sectors, but for the documented risks it presents to education and its potential harms, especially toward emotionally vulnerable users.

Perez also noted that the pace of AI’s development complicates policymaking and drew a comparison to the long-term consequences of early social media decisions.

To deepen members’ understanding, the Speaker is designating Dec. 8-12 as “Artificial Intelligence Week” in the Florida House.

Subcommittee Chairs have been asked to add AI-related discussions to their agendas and examine how the technology intersects with issues in their jurisdictions. Those conversations will supplement, not replace, the committees’ scheduled work.

Perez encouraged members to “come that week prepared to engage in this important topic,” adding, “I hope you emerge at the end of the week with a more fully rounded perspective on what AI means for the future of Florida.”

Evening Reads

—”House passes bill to release Jeffrey Epstein files after monthslong fight” via Katy Stech Ferek, Siobhan Hughes and Anvee Bhutani of The Wall Street Journal

—”How every House member voted to release the Epstein files” via Nick Mourtoupalas, Eric Lau and Hannah Dormido of The Washington Post

—”The three layers of the Epstein scandal” via Andrew Prokop of Vox

—”Trump’s eye-popping post-election windfall” via Michael Scherer and Ashley Parker of The Atlantic

—”The 41 most absurd lines from Donald Trump’s McDonald’s speech” via Chris Cillizza of So What

—”Is Trump a lame duck?” via Nate Silver of the Silver Bulletin

—“Federal court blocks Texas’ Republican-friendly congressional map” via Nick Corasaniti and J. David Goodman of The New York Times

—”U.S. Supreme Court won’t hear football loudspeaker prayer lawsuit” via Jay Waagmeester of the Florida Phoenix

—“A simple WhatsApp security flaw exposed 3.5 billion phone numbers” via Andy Greenberg of WIRED

—”Broward is keeping its name: Lawmaker withdraws bill on ‘Lauderdale County’ referendum” via Anthony Man of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel

Quote of the Day

“DeSantis will roll out his proposal when he’s ready and at the appropriate time …” 

— Lt. Gov. Jay Collins, on Ron DeSantis’ yet-to-be-released grand plan.

Put it on the Tab

A Failure to Launch is a standard order for post-2024 Gov. Ron DeSantis, but he’s getting another since his property tax cut proposal is still in the oven.

Until someone concocts a Mister Collins’ Mystery, the Lt. Governor will make do with a Miss Fisher’s Mystery while he enjoys a boost from an out-of-nowhere ad buy.

With a discount on the way, workers’ comp ratepayers will have a little extra cash to splurge on if they swing by the best Tuesday happy hours in the capital city.

Breakthrough Insights

Tune In

Seminoles look to bounce back from loss to Gators

Coming off the first loss of the season under new head coach Luke Loucks, Florida State hosts Tennessee-Martin tonight in Tallahassee (7 p.m. ET, ACCNX).

The Seminoles opened the season with wins over Alcorn State and Alabama State, but fell last week at Florida 78-76. It was the first time this season that FSU failed to score 100 points in a regular-season game. For the season, Florida State averages 95 points per game.

It’s a major change from the way the program played under longtime head coach Leonard Hamilton, who preferred a strong defense. Hamilton, the all-time wins leader at Florida State, will be celebrated at halftime of tonight’s game. 

The Seminoles have faced UT-Martin (3-0) three times, dating back to 1984, with Florida State winning the three previous games. The two programs have not met since 2013. The Skyhawks have beaten UNLV, Kentucky Christian, and Bradley to open the season. 

FSU has been aggressive from long range. In the victory over Alabama State, the Noles attempted a school record 47 3-point field goals, making 18, the third most 3-pointers made in program history. 

After facing UT-Martin, Florida State will host Georgia Southern on Friday and Cal State Bakersfield the following Tuesday.

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Last Call is published by Peter Schorsch, assembled and edited by Phil Ammann and Drew Wilson, with contributions from the staff of Florida Politics.