Overview
- Announcing the move at New College of Florida, Gov. Ron DeSantis said any high school student who wants a Club America chapter will be able to start one without impediments or discrimination.
- The state pledged to prevent administrators or districts from blocking chapters, citing a recent Suwannee County attempt that was quickly reversed.
- Florida’s 2026 speech and debate top award will be the Charlie Kirk Prize, with scholarships of $10,000 for quarterfinalists, $15,000 for semifinalists, $25,000 for the runner-up, and $50,000 for the winner.
- DeSantis said the scholarships will be funded through private donations managed by the Florida Education Foundation.
- The state championship is set for April 5, 2026, at New College in Sarasota with more than 600 participants expected, and the top two finishers will be invited to a national Ronald Reagan presidential debate in California.