Florida Enacts AI Liability Law, Files Lawsuit Against OpenAI Over ChatGPT
Florida passed a new AI liability law and sued OpenAI on June 1, 2026, over ChatGPT dangers.
Why it matters: Florida’s moves set a precedent for AI liability and regulation, affecting legal counsel on AI compliance and risk. Lawyers must understand evolving statutes and litigation trends shaping AI governance.
- On June 1, 2026, Florida sued OpenAI and CEO Sam Altman, claiming ChatGPT caused harm without adequate warnings.
- HB 919 (2024) requires disclaimers on AI-generated political ads; HB 757 (2025) criminalizes nonconsensual sexual deepfake creation and dissemination.
- Senator Tom Leek filed SB 482 in December 2025 proposing an 'AI Bill of Rights' granting Floridians rights to sue for unauthorized AI use of personal likeness.
- Governor Ron DeSantis endorsed AI regulations aiming to protect minors and increase transparency, urging legislative accountability measures.
Florida intensified its AI regulatory stance by enacting a new liability law and initiating legal action against OpenAI on June 1, 2026. The complaint accuses OpenAI of releasing ChatGPT without sufficient warnings about risks, linking it to harmful outcomes including facilitation of mass shootings and suicide encouragement.
Attorney General James Uthmeier stated publicly, "OpenAI and Sam Altman have put our children at risk by releasing a product that is widely accessible and potentially dangerous." OpenAI responded by detailing existing safety features such as age prediction and parental controls designed to mitigate risks to minors.
Florida’s legislature has enacted several AI-specific laws forming a legal framework. HB 919, effective 2024, mandates disclaimers on generative AI use in political advertisements that depict real people acting out fabricated scenarios. HB 757, passed in 2025, criminalizes creation or distribution of sexually explicit deepfake content without consent.
In December 2025, Senator Tom Leek introduced SB 482, an 'AI Bill of Rights' bill, aiming to empower Floridians with rights to seek legal remedies for unauthorized AI use of their name, image, or likeness. Leek expressed, "The AI Bill of Rights will protect consumers and parents, giving Floridians the right to sue for unauthorized use of their name, image, or likeness."
Governor Ron DeSantis publicly supported the legislation during remarks in early 2026, emphasizing the need to protect minors and increase AI transparency. He advocated for stronger AI accountability measures despite opposition by some tech industry stakeholders.
For legal professionals advising businesses and developers, Florida’s coordinated legislative and litigation approach signals a critical shift in AI liability exposure and compliance requirements. Relevant counsel must monitor ongoing enforcement trends and legislative developments that could influence AI governance nationwide.
By the numbers:
- June 1, 2026 — Florida filed lawsuit against OpenAI and Sam Altman.
- 2024 — HB 919 enacted requiring disclaimers on AI political ads.
- December 2025 — SB 482 'AI Bill of Rights' filed by Senator Tom Leek.
Yes, but: While Florida has taken assertive action, the legal landscape for AI liability remains unsettled, with potential pushback from industry groups and pending federal regulatory guidance.
What's next: The Florida legislature is expected to debate SB 482 during its 2026 session, with potential for further statutes expanding AI accountability and consumer protections.