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2025 - 2026

The 2025-2026 Tournament Schedule is now available for download.

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Questions about an FCDI tournament? Contact your FDI Regional Ambassador with any questions!

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 20

NORTHWEST

QUALIFIER #1

Fort Walton Beach High School

NORTHEAST

QUALIFIER #1

Samuel W. Wolfson High School

CENTRAL

QUALIFIER #1

South Lake High School

NORTH CENTRAL

QUALIFIER #1

Location TBD

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 27

GULF COAST

QUALIFIER #1

Sarasota School of Arts and Sciences

SOUTHEAST

QUALIFIER #1

Okeechobee High School

SOUTH

QUALIFIER #1

Pembroke Pines Charter Middle West

Questions about an FCDI tournament? Contact your FDI Regional Ambassador with any questions!

OCTOBER 24 - 25

STATEWIDE

ONLINE A

Questions about an FCDI tournament? Contact your FDI Regional Ambassador with any questions!

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 8

NORTHWEST

QUALIFIER #2

University of West Florida

NORTHEAST

QUALIFIER #2

Tocoi Creek High School

CENTRAL

QUALIFIER #2

Apopka High School

SOUTH

QUALIFIER #2

Miami-Dade College Kendall Campus

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 15

GULF COAST

QUALIFIER #2

Hillsborough College Brandon Campus

SOUTHEAST

QUALIFIER #2

Fort Pierce Central High School

NORTH CENTRAL

QUALIFIER #2

North Florida College

Questions about an FCDI tournament? Contact your FDI Regional Ambassador with any questions!

DECEMBER 6 - 7

STATEWIDE

STATEWIDE QUALIFIER

Questions about an FCDI tournament? Contact your FDI Regional Ambassador with any questions!

JANUARY 16 - 19

STATEWIDE

THE GREAT DEBATE (NCDC)

Orlando, Florida

JANUARY 30-31

STATEWIDE

ONLINE B

Questions about an FCDI tournament? Contact your FDI Regional Ambassador with any questions!

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 7

GULF COAST

QUALIFIER #3

Tyrone Middle School

SOUTHEAST

QUALIFIER #3

John F. Kennedy Middle School

NORTH CENTRAL

QUALIFIER #3

Florida State University

NORTHWEST

QUALIFIER #3

Pensacola High School

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 21

SOUTH

QUALIFIER #3

Gulf Coast High School

NORTHEAST

QUALIFIER #3

Matanzas High School

CENTRAL

QUALIFIER #3

Daytona State College

FEBRUARY 27 - 28

STATEWIDE

ONLINE C

Questions about an FCDI tournament? Contact your FDI Regional Ambassador with any questions!

SATURDAY, MARCH 7

GULF COAST

QUALIFIER #4

Weeki Wachee High School

SOUTHEAST

QUALIFIER #4

Clewiston Middle School

NORTH CENTRAL

QUALIFIER #4

Florida Gateway College

SOUTH

QUALIFIER #4

Miami Dade College - North Campus

SATURDAY, MARCH 14

CENTRAL

QUALIFIER #4

Lake Nona High School

NORTHEAST

QUALIFIER #4

St. Johns River State College

March 28

NORTHWEST

QUALIFIER #4

Gulf Coast State College

STATEWIDE

ONLINE D

Questions about an FCDI tournament? Contact your FDI Regional Ambassador with any questions!

APRIL 18 - 19

STATEWIDE

STATE CHAMPIONSHIP

New College of Florida

LET'S BE

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.

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!

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?

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… 🩵🎤

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!

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Our Why 🩵

Our Why 🩵

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!

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!📸

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!

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/

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!

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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!

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

My life’s mission ✨

My life’s mission ✨

Miguel was a part of our FDI Civics Immersion Experience 2026. Here's why he thinks civic engagement and speech & debate are essential to becoming an informed, active citizen.

Miguel was a part of our FDI Civics Immersion Experience 2026. Here's why he thinks civic engagement and speech & debate are essential to becoming an informed, active citizen.

As Teacher Appreciation Week comes to a close, we want to say THANK YOU to the educators who show up every day to inspire, encourage, and champion the next generation of leaders.
To every speech and debate coach, classroom teacher, mentor, and advocate helping students find their voice — your impact reaches far beyond the classroom. You are building confidence, teaching critical thinking, and empowering young people to speak with courage and purpose.
At the Florida Debate Initiative, we are grateful for the educators who believe in students before they believe in themselves, who stay late for practices and tournaments, and who continue creating opportunities that change lives.
Thank you for leading with passion, patience, and heart. Florida’s future is stronger because of you.
#TeacherAppreciationWeek #ThankATeacher #SpeechAndDebate #FloridaDebateInitiative #StudentLeadership

As Teacher Appreciation Week comes to a close, we want to say THANK YOU to the educators who show up every day to inspire, encourage, and champion the next generation of leaders.
To every speech and debate coach, classroom teacher, mentor, and advocate helping students find their voice — your impact reaches far beyond the classroom. You are building confidence, teaching critical thinking, and empowering young people to speak with courage and purpose.
At the Florida Debate Initiative, we are grateful for the educators who believe in students before they believe in themselves, who stay late for practices and tournaments, and who continue creating opportunities that change lives.
Thank you for leading with passion, patience, and heart. Florida’s future is stronger because of you.
#TeacherAppreciationWeek #ThankATeacher #SpeechAndDebate #FloridaDebateInitiative #StudentLeadership

🚨 SAVE THE DATE, FLORIDA EDUCATORS! 🚨

The FDI Speech & Debate Learning Retreats are back this summer! 🌴

Whether you’re launching a new team or growing an existing program, this immersive learning experience is designed to help educators build confidence, sharpen coaching skills, and bring competitive speech and debate opportunities to more students across Florida.

2026 Retreat Dates
☀️ Central Florida | June 6–8
🌴 South Florida | June 10–12
🌊 Northeast Florida | June 20–22
🌅 Northwest Florida | June 23–25

And yes… this is NOT your typical workshop.

Applications are now open at floridadebate.org/learningretreat.

Tag an educator who should apply! ⬇️

🚨 SAVE THE DATE, FLORIDA EDUCATORS! 🚨

The FDI Speech & Debate Learning Retreats are back this summer! 🌴

Whether you’re launching a new team or growing an existing program, this immersive learning experience is designed to help educators build confidence, sharpen coaching skills, and bring competitive speech and debate opportunities to more students across Florida.

2026 Retreat Dates
☀️ Central Florida | June 6–8
🌴 South Florida | June 10–12
🌊 Northeast Florida | June 20–22
🌅 Northwest Florida | June 23–25

And yes… this is NOT your typical workshop.

Applications are now open at floridadebate.org/learningretreat.

Tag an educator who should apply! ⬇️

Congratulations to all the students heading off to college this fall! Speech & debate builds confidence, discipline, and students who are ready for the next step of their education. FDI student Laura shares how speech and debate will prepare her for college: “I feel those time management skills and the ability to push myself will really benefit me in college—to pursue things and try things I never thought I would have done before.”

Congratulations to all the students heading off to college this fall! Speech & debate builds confidence, discipline, and students who are ready for the next step of their education. FDI student Laura shares how speech and debate will prepare her for college: “I feel those time management skills and the ability to push myself will really benefit me in college—to pursue things and try things I never thought I would have done before.”

A look into the U.S. Capitol with FDI Students, Yo Yo, David, Oscar, and Miguel! 😎

Learn more about Civics Immersion Experience at floridadebate.org

A look into the U.S. Capitol with FDI Students, Yo Yo, David, Oscar, and Miguel! 😎

Learn more about Civics Immersion Experience at floridadebate.org

I’ve got to get to Speech and Debate Summer Camp, it’s an emergency!

I’ve got to get to Speech and Debate Summer Camp, it’s an emergency!

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