2026 - 2027

The 2026-2027 FDI Programs Schedule is now available for download.

DOWNLOAD NOW

SEPT. 26

Super Speakers #1

CENTRAL, GULF COAST, NORTH CENTRAL, NORTHWEST

OCT. 03

Super Speakers #1

NORTHEAST, SOUTH, SOUTHEAST

OCT. 07

Civics Immersion Academy

ONLINE, ORIENTATION

OCT. 17

American Dream Debate: Virtual #1

STATEWIDE, ONLINE

OCT.
24-25

ProCamp: Weekend 1

STATEWIDE, CENTRAL FL

NOV.
07-09

Civics Immersion Academy

STATEWIDE, BOSTON, MA & PHILADELPHIA, PA

NOV. 14

American Dream Debate: Virtual #2

ONLINE

NOV. 14

Super Speakers #2

CENTRAL, NORTHWEST, GULF COAST, NORTH CENTRAL

NOV. 21

Super Speakers #2

NORTHEAST, SOUTH, SOUTHEAST

DEC.
19

American Dream Debate: In-Person

STATEWIDE, CENTRAL FL

DEC.
19-20

Pro Camp: Weekend 2

STATEWIDE, CENTRAL FL

JAN.
23-25

Civics Immersion Academy: Military Base Visit

STATEWIDE, MILITARY BASE TBD

FEB. 06

Super Speakers #3

CENTRAL, SOUTH, NORTHEAST, NORTH CENTRAL

FEB. 20

Super Speakers #3

GULF COAST, SOUTHEAST, NORTHWEST

MAR. 13

Super Speakers #4

NORTHWEST, GULF COAST, SOUTH, SOUTHEAST

MAR. 27

Super Speakers #4

NORTH CENTRAL, NORTHEAST, CENTRAL

MAR. 31 -APR.04

Civics Immersion Academy

STATEWIDE, WASHINGTON, D.C.

APR. 24

Civics Immersion Academy: Showcase

STATEWIDE, SARASOTA, FL

JUN.
10-12

Speech & Debate Learning Retreat

CENTRAL

JUN.
14-18

Middle School Summer Camp

STATEWIDE, LOCATION TBD

JUN.
20-22

Speech & Debate Learning Retreat

GULF COAST

JUN.
24-26

Speech & Debate Learning Retreat

NORTHWEST

JUN. 28
- JUL. 02

High School Summer Camp

STATEWIDE, LOCATION TBD

2026 - 2027

The 2026-2027 Tournament Schedule is now available for download.

DOWNLOAD NOW

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2026

STATEWIDE

ONLINE QUALIFIER A

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2026

NORTHEAST

QUALIFIER #1

LOCATION TBD

SOUTHEAST

QUALIFIER #1

LOCATION TBD

SOUTH

QUALIFIER #1

LOCATION TBD

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2026

NORTHWEST

QUALIFIER #1

LOCATION TBD

CENTRAL

QUALIFIER #1

LOCATION TBD

COMING SOON

NORTH CENTRAL

QUALIFIER #1

LOCATION TBD

GULF COAST

QUALIFIER #1

LOCATION TBD

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2026

STATEWIDE

ONLINE QUALIFIER B

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2026

NORTHWEST

QUALIFIER #2

LOCATION TBD

SOUTHEAST

QUALIFIER #2

LOCATION TBD

SOUTH

QUALIFIER #2

LOCATION TBD

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2026

NORTHEAST

QUALIFIER #2

LOCATION TBD

CENTRAL

QUALIFIER #2

LOCATION TBD

NORTH CENTRAL

QUALIFIER #2

LOCATION TBD

GULF COAST

QUALIFIER #2

LOCATION TBD

SATURDAY, JANUARY 9, 2027

NORTHEAST

QUALIFIER #3

LOCATION TBD

NORTH CENTRAL

QUALIFIER #3

LOCATION TBD

JANUARY 15-18, 2027

STATEWIDE

NATIONAL CIVICS AND

DEBATE CHAMPIONSHIP

SATURDAY, JANUARY 30, 2027

SOUTHEAST

QUALIFIER #3

LOCATION TBD

CENTRAL

QUALIFIER #3

LOCATION TBD

SOUTH

QUALIFIER #3

LOCATION TBD

GULF COAST

QUALIFIER #3

LOCATION TBD

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2027

NORTHWEST

QUALIFIER #3

LOCATION TBD

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2027

STATEWIDE

ONLINE QUALIFIER C

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2027

SOUTH

QUALIFIER #4

LOCATION TBD

NORTH CENTRAL

QUALIFIER #4

LOCATION TBD

NORTHEAST

QUALIFIER #4

LOCATION TBD

CENTRAL

QUALIFIER #4

LOCATION TBD

SATURDAY, MARCH 6, 2027

STATEWIDE

ONLINE QUALIFIER D

SATURDAY, MARCH 27, 2027

NORTHWEST

QUALIFIER #4

LOCATION TBD

SOUTHEAST

QUALIFIER #4

LOCATION TBD

GULF COAST

QUALIFIER #4

LOCATION TBD

APRIL 24-25, 2027

STATEWIDE

STATE CHAMPIONSHIP

New College of Florida

LET'S BE

Introducing the NEW and improved Civics Immersion ACADEMY. Previously known as Civics Immersion Experience, it's now bigger, better, and MORE IMPACTFUL. Participants will now have the opportunity to be immersed in civics in action across several experiences, including trips to Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, Boston, and a military base. And the best part — at FREE of cost! Applications are NOW LIVE. Learn more and apply at www.floridadebate.org!

Pro Camp applications are NOW OPEN for the 2026-2027 school year. Apply today for this varsity-level series that will strengthen your speech and debate skills, build your network, and train with the top speech and debate coaches in the country. Apply now at floridadebate.org!

Game on for the new school year! 🏆 We're so ready to be back. Get your calendar locked and loaded with all our events for the year — plus, know exactly when applications drop for every FDI program so you never miss your shot to compete.
Check the full calendar today at floridadebate.org/upcoming

If Netflix ever did a documentary about the importance of speech and debate, we’d have a lot to say!

FCDI Team Registration is NOW OPEN for the 2026–2027 school year!

All new and returning teams must complete the updated registration process to participate this season. Register today to secure your team’s spot and prepare for another exciting year of speech and debate!

Thinking about starting a new team at your school? We would love to welcome you to the FCDI community. Our team is ready to help you get started.

VisitFloridaDebate.orgto register your returning team or begin the process of launching a new one.

Debate Time!

Is ice cream better in a cone or a cup? 🍦

Choose your side and defend your answer. 👇 Team Cone or Team Cup?

Join our team TODAY! We are hiring for several positions within the Florida Debate Initiative. Are you passionate about helping students build foundation skills for their future through speech and debate?

Swipe to view all open positions!

Join the cause and view our open positions at floridadebate.org/jobs.

Communication and confidence are foundational to success later in life, and speech and debate helps students build these skills now to prepare for the future. This year's summer camp attendees expanded their skill sets, connected with peers, and started their path to success. Learn more about how your student can join us next year at floridadebate.org.

Pick a number... then swipe! 👉

Whatever event you land on is the one you have to practice. Comment below which one you got!

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

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… 🩵🎤

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 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 floridadebate.org

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://www.floridadebate.org/american-dream.

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.

A historic investment for Florida’s students.

Thank you, @flgovrondesantis, 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.

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.

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 floridadebate.org!

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!📸

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!

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 5:00 PM and cheer him on LIVE!

Watch the final at https://live.speechanddebate.org/

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!

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!

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

Aidan shares why using your voice is the most important skill you can develop, especially as you prepare to enter the workforce. Through speech and debate, you can overcome the fear of public speaking and build a foundation for lifelong success.

Calling all Florida educators!
Want to help your students build confidence, find their voice, and become stronger public speakers?
Join the Florida Debate Initiative for Super Speakers Training this summer.

June 9 — Central Florida
June 13 — South Florida
9:00 AM – 2:00 PM

This hands-on training is designed to give educators practical tools to bring speech, confidence-building, and communication skills directly into the classroom.

Interested? Email learning@floridadebate.org to learn more.

Let’s help more students become super speakers.

Our Super Speaker Students share their favorite thing about participating in tournaments! We are so hyped to be building this program from the ground up and we could not do it without these stellar students. Learn more about how you can get involved at floridadebate.org.

The Florida Debate Initiative is hiring for Summer 2026! ☀️

We’re looking for passionate educators, coaches, counselors, medical professionals, student leaders, and motivated professionals to help create an unforgettable speech and debate camp experience for Florida students. Whether you’re a college student looking for meaningful summer work, a recent grad, or an experienced mentor, we’d love to hear from you.

📍 June 15–19: Middle School Camp in Fruitland Park, FL
📍 June 29–July 3: High School Camp in Marianna, FL

✔ Paid positions
✔ Meals & lodging provided
✔ Professional, mission-driven team
✔ Opportunity to make a lasting impact on students

Positions available include:
• Educational Leaders
• Team Counselors
• Transportation Staff
• Clinic Assistant

Applications close May 17th — don’t wait to apply!

Please send inquiries to Learning@FloridaDebate.org

Apply here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScSTMpyWPeOlbMMDprkxFozTPvtPH_X-DM3XuI9Pjl5y-zXmQ/viewform

What’s better than Beiberchella? Speech and debate, hallelujah!

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2026 - 2027

SEPT. 26

Super Speakers #1

CENTRAL, GULF COAST, NORTH CENTRAL, NORTHWEST

OCT. 03

Super Speakers #1

NORTHEAST, SOUTH, SOUTHEAST

OCT. 07

Civics Immersion Academy

ONLINE, ORIENTATION

OCT. 17

American Dream Debate: Virtual #1

STATEWIDE, ONLINE

OCT. 24-25

ProCamp: Weekend 1

STATEWIDE, CENTRAL FL

NOV. 07-09

Civics Immersion Academy

STATEWIDE, BOSTON, MA & PHILADELPHIA, PA

NOV. 14

American Dream Debate: Virtual #2

ONLINE

NOV. 14

Super Speakers #2

CENTRAL, NORTHWEST, GULF COAST, NORTH CENTRAL

NOV. 21

Super Speakers #2

NORTHEAST, SOUTH, SOUTHEAST

DEC. 19

American Dream Debate: In-Person

STATEWIDE, CENTRAL FL

DEC. 19-20

Pro Camp: Weekend 2

STATEWIDE, CENTRAL FL

JAN. 23-25

Civics Immersion Academy: Military Base Visit

STATEWIDE, MILITARY BASE TBD

FEB. 06

Super Speakers #3

CENTRAL, SOUTH, NORTHEAST, NORTH CENTRAL

FEB. 20

Super Speakers #3

GULF COAST, SOUTHEAST, NORTHWEST

MAR. 13

Super Speakers #4

NORTHWEST, GULF COAST, SOUTH, SOUTHEAST

MAR. 27

Super Speakers #4

NORTH CENTRAL, NORTHEAST, CENTRAL

MAR. 31 -APR.04

Civics Immersion Academy

STATEWIDE, WASHINGTON, D.C.

APR. 24

Civics Immersion Academy: Showcase

STATEWIDE, SARASOTA, FL

JUN. 10-12

Speech & Debate Learning Retreat

CENTRAL

JUN. 14-18

Middle School Summer Camp

STATEWIDE, LOCATION TBD

JUN. 20-22

Speech & Debate Learning Retreat

GULF COAST

JUN. 24-26

Speech & Debate Learning Retreat

NORTHWEST

JUN. 28 - JUL. 02

High School Summer Camp

STATEWIDE, LOCATION TBD

2026 - 2027

LET'S BE

​

SOCIAL

OCT.
24-25

NOV.
07-09

DEC.
19

DEC.
19-20

JAN.
23-25

JUN.
10-12

JUN.
14-18

JUN.
20-22

JUN.
24-26

JUN. 28
- JUL. 02