LAKELAND, FL. — Artificial intelligence infrastructure, medical freedom, parental rights, election integrity, and affordability took center stage at the Florida Freedom Forum, where former Florida House Speaker and gubernatorial candidate Paul Renner outlined his vision for the state’s future while responding to questions from subject-matter experts and grassroots activists.
Hosted by Floridian Future founder Saga Steven and Liberty Sentinel CEO Alex Newman, the event departed from the traditional campaign rally format. Instead of speeches and stump talking points, organizers assembled a panel of activists, scientists, and policy advocates to question Renner on issues they argued will shape Florida’s future.
“Our goal wasn’t to host another campaign speech,” Steven told attendees. “The governor’s race isn’t a prize to be won—it’s a job to be done.”
Throughout the nearly two-hour forum, panelists pressed Renner on topics ranging from hyperscale AI data centers and surveillance technologies to school choice, medical freedom, property taxes, and constitutional protections for parental rights.
Here’s what you need to know.
AI Data Centers Draw Growing Scrutiny
One of the evening’s longest discussions centered on the rapid expansion of hyperscale artificial intelligence data centers.
Industrial hygienists Kristen Meghan Kelly and Tammy Clark argued that Floridians are not receiving sufficient information about the potential effects of the facilities, pointing to concerns involving electricity consumption, freshwater usage, low-frequency “tonal noise,” and long-term environmental impacts.
Clark urged policymakers to distinguish traditional data centers from newer hyperscale AI facilities and recommended statewide standards governing siting, cooling methods, water usage, noise monitoring, and financial assurances for eventual decommissioning.
Kelly argued that technology companies are engaged in what she described as an international race to deploy AI infrastructure and questioned whether today’s hyperscale facilities could quickly become obsolete.
Renner said he supports placing a statewide pause on additional hyperscale AI data centers until lawmakers and independent experts can fully evaluate the technology.
“We need to stop, ask the questions first—not build first and ask questions later,” Renner said.
He suggested legislation distinguishing traditional data centers from hyperscale facilities while studying potential impacts on Florida’s aquifer, electric grid, and communities.
Medical Freedom Remains Central Issue
Medical freedom advocates also warned that many of Florida’s COVID-era protections could be weakened without additional legislative action.
Global Wellness Forum Executive Director Amy Vela McBride, who described herself as a “medical freedom refugee” from New York, argued that Florida became a national refuge during the COVID-19 pandemic because of policies protecting individual choice.
She called for legislation expanding informed consent protections and additional exemptions from vaccine mandates.
Renner credited Gov. Ron DeSantis with helping establish Florida as what he repeatedly called “the free state of Florida” during the pandemic.
He said one of his first priorities as governor would be strengthening Florida’s Medical Freedom Act to make existing protections permanent.
“We’re not leaving until this gets fixed,” Renner said of the issue.
He also praised Florida Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo and First Lady Casey DeSantis for their work promoting greater transparency regarding food ingredients and public health issues, adding that parents should have access to information necessary to make healthcare decisions for their families.
Parental Rights and School Choice
The discussion repeatedly returned to parental rights and education.
Drawing on his experience as a homeschooling father of six children, Newman argued that Florida has made substantial progress but still faces ongoing challenges in protecting parents’ authority over education and medical decisions.
Renner proposed placing explicit parental rights protections into the Florida Constitution.
According to Renner, such an amendment would recognize parents’ fundamental authority over the upbringing, education, and care of their children while preserving government intervention in cases involving abuse.
“The people who know children best are their parents,” he said.
He also defended educational freedom as a means of allowing families to customize education rather than forcing every child into a single system.
Affordability Tops Agenda
Affordability emerged as another dominant theme.
Renner argued that Florida risks becoming a victim of its own success as rapid population growth drives housing costs, insurance premiums, taxes, and utility bills higher.
He pledged to call a special legislative session shortly after taking office to address affordability.
Among his proposals is eliminating homestead property taxes while replacing lost revenue through government spending reductions and alternative revenue sources, including taxes affecting tourism and speculative real estate investment.
He also pledged continued efforts to reduce insurance costs and reform utility regulation to lower electric bills.
“We have people who’ve lived here for decades who are wondering whether they can afford to stay in Florida,” Renner said.
Surveillance and Financial Freedom
The forum also examined emerging technologies that participants argued could threaten civil liberties.
Steven questioned Renner extensively about central bank digital currencies (CBDCs), digital identification systems, cashless payment systems, and financial privacy.
Renner reiterated his opposition to CBDCs, digital surveillance, and technologies that could allow governments or corporations to monitor or restrict purchases.
“If that happens, we’re no longer a free country,” he said.
He likewise pledged opposition to expanded spy cameras, commonly known as FLOCK cameras, arguing that technological advances should remain subordinate to constitutional protections.
“Humanity has to set the guardrails for technology,” Renner said. FLOCK cameras should be banned or heavily restricted.
Audience Raises Additional Concerns
During an extended question-and-answer session, attendees raised issues including human trafficking, Department of Children and Families reform, veterans’ healthcare, election integrity, religious liberty, university admissions, workforce development, and government accountability.
Asked how he would ensure reforms survive future administrations, Renner emphasized constitutional amendments where appropriate, legislative safeguards, and continued civic engagement.
He repeatedly encouraged Floridians to remain active beyond Election Day, arguing that preserving constitutional government requires ongoing citizen involvement.
“The most powerful thing a speaker can do is say no,” he remarked while discussing legislative leadership.
Closing the evening, Newman urged attendees not to become complacent.
“Voting every two or four years isn’t enough,” he said. “Find a candidate who believes what you believe, and get involved.”
Renner concluded with a broader appeal centered on faith, family, and patriotism.
“Don’t give up the fight,” he told the audience. “Florida is the leader in this country. We cannot go backwards.”
Watch the full event here: