TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida Citizens Alliance is urging Florida lawmakers to prioritize strong, enforceable safeguards to govern artificial intelligence use by minors, outlining a policy framework designed to protect children, strengthen parental rights and prevent harmful AI driven interactions that have increasingly made national headlines.
Florida Citizens Alliance’s AI legislative agenda centers on four key initiatives the organization says are essential to keeping AI use responsible, transparent and aligned with Florida’s standards. The group is actively engaging legislators on these priorities while supporting multiple bills currently filed for the 2026 legislative session.
“Florida has led the nation in protecting children and strengthening parental rights, and we cannot afford to fall behind as AI becomes more embedded in everyday life,” said Ryan Kennedy, Chief of Operations of Florida Citizens Alliance. “The reality is that parents currently have little to no ability to restrict how AI is used by their child in school settings, and there are real risks tied to data collection, inappropriate content and AI systems that attempt to build relationships with minors.”
Florida Citizens Alliance’s four initiative framework calls for:
Parental opt in for AI use in schools. If a school district signs a contract with an AI provider, parents should be required to opt their child in before any AI tool may be used.
Student data protections. Data collected from students through AI tools should not be shared outside of the school district, preventing sensitive student information from being transferred, sold or stored beyond local control.
Provider compliance with Florida standards. AI vendors contracting with schools must prove they meet all Florida state standards and reflect a Western civilization worldview that does not contradict established academic expectations.
Restrictions on chatbot style AI for minors. AI chatbots used by minors should function in a question and answer format and should not be permitted to simulate human like emotional relationships with
children. Florida Citizens Alliance says this measure is essential amid growing reports of AI chatbots encouraging self harm, violence or illegal activity.
The organization cited research showing widespread parental concern over AI’s influence on children. A 2024 survey conducted by the cybersecurity company Norton found 93 percent of parents are concerned about AI being used in the classroom or at school, while 51 percent worry their children will encounter inappropriate content through AI. Additionally, Common Sense Media found that one third of children report choosing AI companions over humans for serious conversations.
In addition to its four initiative framework, Florida Citizens Alliance is publicly supporting several bills already filed this session.
Florida Citizens Alliance supports SB 344 and HB 281, legislation that would prohibit the use of AI in psychological or counseling settings where licensed professionals are required, including family counseling, school counseling and psychological services.
Florida Citizens Alliance also supports SB 482, which would require parental consent before a minor uses certain AI chatbots.
“The bill makes a meaningful step by requiring parental consent,” Ryan said. “Florida already has a framework for age based protections with social media. We believe the same standard should apply here.”
Florida Citizens Alliance says AI chatbot access should align with Florida’s social media protections, including restricting access for minors under age 14 and requiring parental consent for 15 and 16 year olds.
Florida Citizens Alliance also supports HB 659 and SB 1344.
“Our position is simple,” Ryan said. “AI is not inherently the enemy, but unregulated AI interacting with children is a risk Florida should not tolerate. Parents should be empowered, student privacy should be protected, and minors should not be exposed to systems that can influence behavior in harmful ways.”
About Florida Citizens Alliance
Founded in 2013, Florida Citizens Alliance champions K-12 education reform in Florida. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit, FLCA’s mission is to provide real solutions that maximize student potential and protect children in Florida. The three pillars of our mission are engaging local communities through our KIDS FIRST program, providing alternative education resources through our Microschool Initiative, and promoting legislative action.
