NewsWUSF — Tampa Bay NPR (Local & State)August 26, 2026Hillsborough
Florida Department of Education requires state colleges to establish AI policies
The Florida Department of Education is mandating that all 28 institutions within the Florida College System create formal policies regarding the use of artificial intelligence. These policies must address academic integrity, grading standards, and the use of AI in course assignments for students, staff, and campus visitors.
Read the full story at WUSF — Tampa Bay NPR (Local & State)Why It Matters
This directive establishes a uniform requirement for how AI tools are permitted or restricted in academic work across all Florida public colleges, directly impacting student conduct and faculty grading procedures.
Key Facts
- The Florida Department of Education is requiring all 28 Florida College System institutions to develop AI policies.
- Policies must explicitly address academic integrity and potential academic dishonesty.
- Policies must cover the use of AI in course assignments.
- Policies must address how AI impacts grading procedures.
- The mandate applies to students, staff, and guests on campus.
Who's Mentioned
personRon DeSantis“Governor who prioritized AI legislation”personDaniel Perez“House Speaker who blocked AI legislation”locationPolk State College“Location of the upcoming board meeting”organizationState Board of Education“Scheduled to consider the rule on Sept. 16”personHenry Mack“Education Commissioner who approved the rule”organizationFlorida College System“The 28 institutions affected by the proposed rule”organizationOpenAI“Defendant in a civil lawsuit filed by Florida”organizationFlorida Department of Education“Proposing the new AI policy rule”personJames Uthmeier“Attorney General involved in the lawsuit against OpenAI”personSam Altman“CEO of OpenAI”