Florida education board approves AI rules for K-12 districts and state colleges

The board approved both rules at its Wednesday meeting, according to Spectrum Bay News 9 and Central Florida Public Media, which each reported the votes were unanimous. Under the K-12 rule, districts and charter schools must write local policies naming which AI tools are permitted and how they may be used, fold those policies into existing internet safety rules, notify parents when instructional AI tools are approved, and obtain parental permission before a student uses one directly.

Central Florida Public Media reported that districts must also provide alternatives for students who do not use AI, that tools built to address social-emotional needs or to simulate relationships are not permitted, and that the requirements take effect on July 1, 2027. The college rule directs Florida College System institutions to adopt policies on academic integrity, including a bar on AI use for graded work unless an instructor allows it, and to address student privacy, approved tools and AI literacy. The state education commissioner said the rules stop short of banning AI in classrooms.