Florida Board of Education approves AI rules for schools and colleges

The Florida Board of Education has approved new regulations governing the use of artificial intelligence in K-12 public schools and state colleges. Under these rules, school districts must update internet safety regulations to include AI and notify parents regarding student use of AI products. Parental consent is required, and districts must provide non-AI instructional alternatives if consent is withheld. For students in PreK-5, AI tools will undergo additional reviews, and tools designed to simulate emotional relationships or use anthropomorphic features to encourage interaction are prohibited.

State colleges within the Florida College System are now required to implement policies to ensure educational quality and safety. These policies must prohibit students from using AI for graded assignments or assessments unless an instructor explicitly permits it. Education Commissioner Henry Mack described AI as a supplement rather than a replacement for traditional instruction.

In the context of higher education, Richard Corcoran, president of New College of Florida and former state Education Commissioner, emphasized that AI should serve as a research tool to enhance critical thinking rather than a shortcut that weakens the learning process. He noted that while AI can improve administrative efficiency in recruitment and human resources, universities must prioritize teaching students how to evaluate information and develop soft skills.