The FDI

The FDI encourages and empowers students and educators through advancing access to civics education & resources, debate competition & professional development.

[The FDI @FloridaDebate]

36 YEAS, ZERO NAYS! 🎉 The Florida Speech and Debate Education Act has officially PASSED the Senate Floor!

This is a landmark moment for students across the state, and it would not have been possible without incredible champions in the Senate.

A heartfelt thank you to bill sponsor, President Pro Tempore @jasonbrodeur, and co-sponsors Senators @DannyBurgessFL, @DonGaetz, @SenatorOsgood, and @RalphMasullo for their unwavering dedication to Florida's students.

We are also deeply grateful for the remarkable bipartisan support from our additional co-sponsors, who joined the movement today:

Senate President @Sen_Albritton, and Senators @Arrington4Fl, @loriBerman, @MackBernardFL, @JimBoydFL, LaVon Bracy Davis, @jenn_bradley, @ColleenLBurton, @AlexisMCalatayu, @NickDiCeglie, @IleanaGarciaUSA, @ErinGrall, @JoeGruters, @Gayle_Harrell, @edHooper1, @ShevrinJones, @leek_tj, @jonmartinesq, @debbie_Mayfield, @SenatorMcClain, @kathleenpass , @senpizzo , @TinaPolsky, @SenatorAMR, @darrylrouson, @Barbarasharief, @cime90, @CarlosGSmith, @SodFatherFL , @JayTrumbull, @SenTomWright, and @Clay_Yarborough.

This overwhelming, bipartisan show of support speaks volumes. Florida's students deserve every bit of it.
Thank you! 🙏

[The FDI @FloridaDebate]

Our social media team is on summer vacation, but here’s a screen recording of their camera roll… Are we doing this right?

[The FDI @FloridaDebate]

Don’t get us wrong, we LOVE summer and all that it brings (Summer Camp, Speech and Debate Learning Retreats, Salute to Service), but there’s just something about debate season… 🩵🎤

[The FDI @FloridaDebate]

Florida Speech and Debate Summer Camp is THE place to be for an unforgettable summer. It is where big fun and even bigger skills collide! This year's campers brought the energy, soaked up the Florida sunshine, made lifelong friends, and walked away with speech and debate techniques they'll carry forever. Every single day was packed with the kind of memories our campers just can't stop talking about!

[The FDI @FloridaDebate]

250 years strong. 🇺🇸 As we celebrate this incredible milestone, we're reminded of what makes America truly great: The dream that unites us all. At FDI, that dream drives our mission every single day. Discover the American Dream Debate at https://t.co/xB8XE05eKR.

[The FDI @FloridaDebate]

The speeches have been read, white and blue and the votes are in! 🇺🇸

This year, as our great nation proudly celebrates 250 years of American freedom, we held a speech contest in honor of the U.S.A. and the enduring ideals that make her shine. The talent, passion, and patriotism on display were nothing short of inspiring.

Congratulations to our America 250 Speech Contest First Place Winners:

⭐️ Grades 3–5 Division: Nina Dunn, Valley Ridge Academy
⭐️ Grades 6–7 Division: Shreehari Gopinath, Sanford Middle School
⭐️ Grade 8 Division: Sahaj Kalia, Julia Landon College Preparatory and Leadership Development School

These young voices represent the very best of America's future. They give us every reason to believe our next 250 years will be just as great. Read the full press release at https://t.co/gBzM4yp1Hq

[The FDI @FloridaDebate]

While High School Speech and Debate Summer Camp is in full swing, let's take a look back at all the adventures our campers had at Middle School Speech and Debate Summer Camp in Fruitland Park, Florida.

[The FDI @FloridaDebate]

A historic investment for Florida’s students.

Thank you, @GovRonDeSantis, for signing the budget and continuing to invest in civics, speech, and debate education across our state.

With $2.4 million for the Florida Debate Initiative and $1.5 million for the Florida Civics and Debate Initiative, this budget represents a historic $3.9 million investment in programs that help students think critically, build leadership skills, and speak with confidence about the critical issues shaping their future.

We are deeply grateful to Senator @Jason Brodeur, Representative @Erika Booth, and the entire Florida Legislature for their leadership and unanimous support during the 2026 session.

Every classroom, every tournament, every coach, and every student reminds us why this work matters.

Florida’s students are the leaders of tomorrow, and this investment helps ensure students discover what they are capable of achieving.

[The FDI @FloridaDebate]

And just like that, we wrapped up our final Speech and Debate Learning Retreat of the summer in beautiful Pensacola Beach! Northwest Florida brought incredible energy to close out this year's series. At each retreat these coaches arrived curious and left confident, equipped with practical tools, a solid network, and a real vision for their programs. Thank you, to every educator who joined us across all four retreats this summer.

[The FDI @FloridaDebate]

Our Why 🩵

[The FDI @FloridaDebate]

Amanda-Lesly, a former Florida Debate Initiative Fellow, understands the importance of speech and debate. It is crucial for students as they prepare for the future and their career. Learn more about our fellowship program for college students at https://t.co/ZebPChudF0!

[The FDI @FloridaDebate]

We can’t believe Middle School Summer Camp is already coming to an end! What a whirlwind week of building skills and making memories. Camp may be over but the summer fun is just getting started. We’re headed up to the panhandle to welcome our High School campers in just a few days. Don’t forget to tag us in your summer camp pics!📸

[The FDI @FloridaDebate]

Follow along with Team FDI this June as we take on a stacked roster of events. Be sure to tag us in your content from Speech and Debate Learning Retreats, Summer Camp, and Salute to Service!

[The FDI @FloridaDebate]

THIS IS WHAT TOP SIX LOOKS LIKE! 🏆 Congratulations to FDI Fellow Luis Latozefsky on advancing to the Final Round of Original Oratory at the NSDA National Tournament! Out of 7,000+ competitors at the largest speech and debate championship in the world, Luis has earned his spot among the nation's best. Making finals is one of the most prestigious achievements a high school speech and debate student can earn and we are proud to have him represent the Florida speech and debate community. Tune in TODAY at PM and cheer him on LIVE!

Watch the final at https://t.co/LngkYVvp5G

[The FDI @FloridaDebate]

We’re pumped for Florida Speech and Debate Summer Camp officially being underway for middle school! Hear from Elijah about his experience at the high school camp last year. We can't wait for the fun that is ahead this week!

[The FDI @FloridaDebate]

Summer Camp starts today! We can’t wait to welcome our Middle School Speech & Debate campers for an exciting week of learning, confidence-building, and summer fun.

On your way to camp? Comment below and tell us what you’re looking forward to most!

[The FDI @FloridaDebate]

When they’re yelling at “noteverythinghastobeadebate” but it’s okay because my name is Miranda.

[The FDI @FloridaDebate]

Mia Perez shared how much her visit to Washington D.C. this year with the FDI Civics Immersion Experience changed her life. “Each stop deepened my understanding of government, history, and public service in a way that no classroom ever could.” Stay updated on next year’s Civics Immersion Experience by visiting https://t.co/5H8xZ1ha9C.

[The FDI @FloridaDebate]

With summer just around the corner, we are highlighting some of our upcoming summer programs. While we love a good summer vacation, we also know growth doesn’t just happen overnight. Join us for our summer programs to stay locked-in so you are ready for next year’s speech and debate season!