The Florida Department of Education is moving to require all school districts, including those in Hernando, Pasco, and Citrus counties, to incorporate artificial intelligence guidelines into their existing internet safety policies. The DOE is scheduled to discuss the proposed rule change at a workshop on Aug. 5, according to state documents. The directive comes as schools increasingly rely on digital tools and AI-powered platforms in classrooms.
The department is citing Florida laws that require adherence to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and the protection of private student information. Florida law already prohibits an operator of an internet website used primarily for K-12 purposes from knowingly collecting or sharing student data. That protected data includes a broad range of information.
- Biometric information
- Disability records
- Socioeconomic information
- Food purchases
- Political affiliations
- Religious information
- Text messages and documents
- Student identifiers
- Search activity
- Photos and voice recordings
- Geolocation information
The push for AI regulation in schools follows a broader legislative effort at the state level. The Florida Senate attempted to pass an AI Bill of Rights earlier this year, but the measure failed after the House blocked multiple attempts to send it to Gov. Ron DeSantis. The proposal would have established parents’ rights to control their children’s interactions with AI chatbots, prohibited state agencies from contracting with AI firms tied to a foreign country of concern, and set rules about the unauthorized use of people’s names, images, or likenesses.
Local school districts in Hernando, Pasco, and Citrus counties will be watching the Aug. 5 workshop closely as they prepare to update their policies. The DOE’s proposed rule change signals that Florida is taking a more structured approach to AI in education, even as the broader legislative effort stalled this session. Parents and school administrators are encouraged to follow the Florida Department of Education for updates on the rule change and how it may affect local schools.
Originally reported by Hernando Sun
Sources: Hernando Sun
