ORLANDO, Fla. – Artificial intelligence is no longer a distant concept — it is sitting in classrooms across Central Florida, and school districts are writing the rules in real time.
“This is really hard, it’s like building a plane while flying,” said Maria Salamanca, Vice Chair and District 2 Representative of the Orange County School Board during a July board meeting.
From what students can and cannot do with tools, to how teachers are expected to handle AI-generated content, each district is drawing its own lines in the sand.
Here’s a breakdown of where nine Central Florida school districts stand on AI — and what it means for the students, parents and teachers inside those schools.
Brevard Public Schools
Brevard Public Schools recently updated Policy 7540.08 on artificial intelligence during the July 28 school board meeting. The Superintendent is authorized to support AI use when it is consistent with the district’s mission, goals and operational integrity.
What teachers can do: Employees may integrate AI tools into their instruction at their discretion. When using AI to create instructional materials, assessments or feedback, employees must maintain transparency by disclosing the role of AI in those processes. Employees are responsible for verifying the accuracy of AI-generated content before using it. AI detection software may be used as an inquiry starting point for academic integrity concerns — but not as definitive proof of wrongdoing. Employees will receive periodic training to ensure adherence to the policy, data privacy rules and district-approved AI tools.
What teachers cannot do: Sensitive student or staff data cannot be input into any unvetted AI system. Only closed-source, district-approved AI tools may be used — open-source tools are prohibited due to data security risks. Employees and students are prohibited from using AI to generate false or misleading representations of other students, staff, volunteers or board members — including AI-generated or manipulated images or videos — regardless of whether the content is distributed on or off campus.
What students can do: With prior teacher permission, students may use AI for research assistance, data analysis, language translation, writing assistance and accessibility support. Students with disabilities, for example, may use text-to-speech or AI-powered translation tools to access written materials.
“The district will keep a list of the software programs and everything on the district website,” according to Katye Campbell, District 5 Representative.
What students cannot do: Using AI tools to complete schoolwork without a teacher’s express permission is strictly prohibited and is treated as plagiarism. Students may not generate false or misleading depictions of others using AI.
Consequences: Students may be disciplined up to and including suspension or expulsion. Staff may face discipline up to and including termination. Illegal acts will be referred to law enforcement.
Flagler Schools
Flagler County’s AI policy — also numbered Policy 7540.08 — shares the same foundational philosophy as several other Central Florida districts: AI is not banned, but it comes with clear expectations for everyone in the building.
The official policy was adopted in July 2025 and was updated in May 2026. The current policy is also in the process of being reviewed and revised, according to the school district.
The School Board recognizes the positive impact AI technology may have in the district’s educational program and operations. The Superintendent is authorized to support the use of AI when its use is consistent with the district’s mission, goals and operational integrity.
What teachers can do: Teachers are not banned from using AI. The district encourages the use of district-supported and recommended AI tools, which are considered best practice over the wide range of publicly available, unvetted options. Teachers and staff are expected to acknowledge AI use whenever it occurs and validate AI-generated content for accuracy, appropriateness and potential bias before using it.
According to Don Foley, Communications Coordinator for the district, “Flagler Schools Faculty and Staff have access to Generative AI Enterprise accounts through Google Gemini and Chat GPT. We also use the education-focused AI platforms of MagicSchool, Brisk Teaching, and Khanmigo.”
What teachers cannot do: Teachers and staff may not share passwords or any confidential, proprietary or sensitive district or student information with AI tools. Student records, names, addresses or other personally identifiable information shall not be uploaded to AI tools. Staff are expected to understand that generative AI is not a substitute for human creativity, judgment and creation.
What students can do: Students are not banned from using AI but must operate within the district’s guidelines. Any AI use must be acknowledged — every time. AI-generated content must be validated for accuracy, appropriateness and potential bias before it is submitted or shared.
“Our students in grades 6-12 have student-level access to Student Gemini, Khan Academy’s Khanmigo, Brisk Teaching, Canva and MagicSchool,” said Foley.
What students cannot do: Students may not share passwords or confidential district or student information with AI tools. Uploading personally identifiable information — including names, addresses or student records — into AI tools is prohibited. All AI use must comply with the Student Code of Conduct.
The district developed a best practices guide for students with a group of secondary teachers. Information is also shared with families through the Digital Learning Handbook.
Lake County Schools
Lake County Schools does not yet have a formal, board-adopted AI policy — but that is about to change.
“The district is in the process of developing a comprehensive, formal AI policy,” said Ashley Salamon, Executive Director of MIS and Instructional Technology. “In the meantime, we have integrated flexible AI guidance into our Student Code of Conduct for the 2026-2027 academic year. This ensures that our standards remain adaptable as technology evolves.”
Salamon said the district anticipates presenting the finalized policy to the school board for formal adoption this fall.
What’s already happening in classrooms: While the formal policy is still in development, Lake County is far from standing still on AI. The district trained thousands of teachers on MagicSchool since the summer of 2024 and is now shifting toward Google’s Gemini platform — integrated natively within Google Docs and Drive — to enhance collaboration and data security.
“Unlike public models, this environment ensures that prompts and organizational data are never used to train public AI,” Salamon said. “Our implementation strictly adheres to rigorous privacy standards, including FERPA, CIPA, and Florida statutes, ensuring our digital workspace remains secure.”
Pilot programs: This past school year, the district piloted MagicStudent within several Career and Technical Education classes. MagicStudent is a controlled environment where teachers create “rooms” with specific, limited AI tools — allowing students to engage with AI without the risks of open-ended prompting.
“One specific tool that students use, for example, is the Writing Feedback tool where students upload their own writing to MagicStudent where teachers have included a specific rubric so students are able to edit and improve their piece,” Salamon said.
Teachers maintain full visibility into student activity, including real-time alerts for guideline adherence or inappropriate activity. In Professional Design and Entrepreneurship CTE programs, students used MagicStudent as a collaborative aid in a comprehensive project spanning from conceptualization to promotional marketing.
The district’s guiding philosophy: Lake County’s approach is grounded in the belief that AI should support — not replace — student thinking.
“Adherence to the LCS Instructional Framework emphasizes that AI or any other technology should serve to augment student inquiry rather than replace critical thinking, ensuring that students remain the architects of their own learning rather than passive recipients of generated answers,” Salamon said.
Staff training: Voluntary professional development focused on both Gemini and MagicSchool was available throughout the summer, with additional sessions scheduled for fall. Comprehensive training for all instructional staff will begin following the formal adoption of the AI policy.
“Our goal is to ensure that while we embrace these powerful new tools, the focus remains exactly where it belongs: on the ingenuity, curiosity, and critical thinking of our students,” Salamon said.
Marion County Public Schools
Marion County Public Schools has not only adopted a formal AI policy (7540.08) — it has paired it with an AI vision that sets the tone for how the district sees artificial intelligence shaping the future of its classrooms.
The district’s vision statement reads: “Marion County Public Schools will leverage artificial intelligence with intentionality to support high-quality teaching and learning, strengthen organizational effectiveness, and expand opportunities for all students, while preserving the central role of human judgment, relationships, and trust.”
What teachers can do: Employees may allow the use of AI for curriculum purposes. AI programs may assist students with clarifying information or explaining ideas and concepts. Teachers may use AI tools to improve teaching effectiveness, student engagement and personalized learning. AI-developed curriculum and assessments should align with adopted standards. Employees may also use AI-powered text-to-speech, speech-to-text and translation tools to support students with diverse learning needs and foster inclusive learning environments. The district’s vision calls for ongoing professional learning to ensure staff model and implement responsible AI practices.
What teachers cannot do: Employees may not use AI to make decisions about students that could have a significant impact on their lives — such as report card grades, graduation or disciplinary actions. Employees must comply with local, state and federal laws regarding student and staff privacy rights. Employees may not submit generative AI writing as original writing used for promotion, evaluation or completion of state or district programs to earn a certification or credential. Employees may not upload student or employee records, names or addresses into AI tools unless specified in a data-sharing agreement. Employees may not integrate AI tools with district software or allow AI to learn passwords or confidential district data. Employees may not use AI for employment decisions about applicants or current employees.
What students can do: Students may use AI to accelerate their learning. AI can be used for reviewing work to gain a better understanding, creating outlines and summaries for studying, organizing notes and brainstorming ideas. Students must acknowledge the use of AI related to their schoolwork — attributing AI-generated text, images and multimedia when using them in assignments. The district’s vision specifically calls for AI to support critical thinking and authentic demonstrations of learning — not replace them.
What students cannot do: Students must think critically and fact-check AI outputs using primary sources, as AI programs can have implicit bias and may present incorrect information. Students may not use AI as a substitute for their own original work. Any misuse of AI tools and applications — such as hacking or altering data — is strictly prohibited. AI use may be subject to consequences in accordance with the district’s Code of Student Conduct.
The bigger picture: The district frames its approach around 10 guiding principles — from human-centered design and ethical use to community trust and continuous improvement. Those principles are:
Human-centered: AI enhances, not replaces, employee expertise, student thinking and professional judgment
Ethical and secure: All use reflects an unwavering commitment to ethics, data privacy and security
Transparent and accountable: Users acknowledge sources, verify accuracy and take ownership of their work
High-quality outcomes: AI supports rigorous instruction, critical thinking and authentic demonstrations of learning
Opportunity and access: AI expands opportunities through personalization and support for all learners
Professional capacity: Ongoing professional learning ensures staff model and implement responsible AI practices
Responsible use: Clear expectations, approved tools and safeguards guide appropriate use
Data informed: AI supports analysis, decision-making and organizational effectiveness
Continuous improvement: Implementation evolves based on reflection, evidence and impact
Community and trust: Open dialogue builds shared understanding and trust with stakeholders
Orange County Public Schools
Orange County Public Schools adopted its AI policy on July 28, 2026, framing the entire approach around a “Human-in-the-Loop” philosophy: AI should enhance human potential, not replace it.
What teachers can do: Educators may optionally choose to use AI in the lesson planning process but are not required to integrate it. When a teacher determines that students may use AI for submitted work, that permission must be documented and posted in an easily accessible place — such as a syllabus, introductory letter or digital portal — so students, parents and administrators have a clear reference point if a dispute arises. The district will make professional learning focused on AI literacy, data privacy and ethical integration available to all staff.
What teachers cannot do: Educators may not use AI to make final high-stakes decisions. Grading, student eligibility for ESE/ESOL/504 services, disciplinary actions including expulsion, student promotion or retention, graduation eligibility and personnel evaluations must all be made by a human. Staff may not use open-source or unvetted commercial AI models. Inputting confidential data, sensitive student records or Personally Identifiable Information into any AI tool not vetted and approved by the district is strictly prohibited. The district reserves the right to monitor all AI activity on its network and devices.
A critical student protection: OCPS prohibits using AI detection tools as the sole basis for disciplinary action. Before issuing consequences, educators must employ secondary verification methods — such as reviewing document edit history, comparing a submission against a student’s baseline writing samples or having a direct conversation with the student.
What students can do: With documented teacher permission, students may use district-approved AI platforms and must disclose that use. When using authorized AI tools for submitted work, students must verify the accuracy of the AI-generated content. AI may be used during internet searches only for the limited purpose of identifying actual primary or secondary sources.
What students cannot do: By default, AI is prohibited from being used to brainstorm, outline, draft, revise or edit any submitted work. Students may not use AI to generate deepfakes, voice cloning or synthetic media to impersonate, harass, bully or mislead others. AI cannot be used on any assessment unless the assessment specifically requires it. Using AI to generate content that infringes on copyright, trademark or intellectual property rights is also prohibited.
School District of Osceola County
The School District of Osceola County adopted its AI Acceptable Use Policy (OCSBR 8.603) in December 2023 and revised it in August 2024. During a July workshop dedicated to AI implementation, leaders alluded to updating the policy again.
“AI is changing so quickly. You know, it’s changing on a weekly basis. So, we have to try and keep up in some ways,” Peter Thorne, Information and Technology Division stated to the board.
What teachers can do: Instructional employees may allow the use of AI for curriculum purposes — including lesson planning, productivity support, formative feedback and collaborative ideation. AI programs may assist students with clarifications of information, explanations of ideas and concepts, or generating ideas and topics for assignments. The district may require peer review of AI tools for accuracy, appropriateness or potential bias depending on the nature of the work. A five-tier professional learning strategy is in place to build AI fluency across all staff — from foundational AI literacy for every employee to leadership development and micro-credentialing for those who want to go deeper.
What teachers cannot do: All employees must receive approval from administrators, supervisors or course facilitators before using AI to complete assignments for professional development courses. Employees may not allow AI tools to learn passwords or access confidential district data, upload student or employee records into AI tools, use AI for employment decisions or use any AI tool not on the district’s approved list. Human review and validation are required before applying any AI-generated output.
What students can do: Students may use AI with teacher authorization, as long as they acknowledge that use in their schoolwork — including attributing AI-generated text, images or multimedia. Students must think critically and fact-check AI outputs using primary sources. Beginning in August 2026, students age 13 and older will have access to Microsoft Copilot Chat as an approved AI tool. Additional student-facing approved tools include Khanmigo, MagicStudent, Microsoft Reading Coach, STEMscopes Chatbot, TCI Social Studies, GenMusBot and Savvy Writer — all teacher-guided and age-appropriate.
What students cannot do: Students may not use AI to avoid doing their own original work and may not use AI tools when a teacher has expressly forbidden it. Hacking or altering data using AI is strictly prohibited. Students in Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate and Dual Enrollment college courses may face additional restrictions from those programs beyond the district’s own policy.
What’s next — the AI Fellows Program: The district plans to recruit and select 20 to 30 AI Fellows from across district departments, schools and grade levels, with a launch target of August 24. Fellows will test high-value AI use cases aligned to the district’s strategic plan, with approximately 50% focused on instructional impact and 50% on operational efficiency. Fellows are expected to present their findings to the district between Jan. 11-15, 2027 — ultimately becoming SDOC’s internal AI ambassadors.
A mandatory “Demystifying AI” orientation for all employees is also planned, covering policy, the district’s AI Implementation Guide, approved uses and risks.
Governance and privacy: Every AI vendor used by the district must meet FERPA and COPPA compliance standards, operate on closed systems and provide parental access. Digital citizenship instruction has been updated to include AI-specific dimensions — including explicit instruction on deepfakes, AI-driven cyberbullying and online harms. The district has committed to routinely evaluating its policies for impact and alignment, treating them as “living systems.”
Seminole County Public Schools
Seminole County Public Schools recently revised Policy 7540.08 on Jan. 20, 2026. Seminole is also one of the few districts to explicitly cite Florida’s own AI legislation — CS/SB 1344 (2024), which established Florida’s AI in Education Task Force — as a guiding framework for its policy.
What teachers can do: AI and related technologies may be used to enhance instruction, streamline operations and support decision-making, provided the use is authorized by the Superintendent or designee and includes appropriate oversight, validation and bias mitigation. The Superintendent or designee is responsible for establishing administrative procedures for evaluating and approving AI tools and training users on responsible use. Teachers also have access to an AI Guidebook that further outlines policy and acceptable use information.
What teachers cannot do: AI may not replace human judgment in critical educational or employment decisions. No confidential, proprietary or sensitive data may be input into AI systems unless the system has been reviewed and approved by the district’s Information Services Department. Students and staff must not use AI tools to generate or complete academic work unless explicitly permitted by instructional personnel.
What students can do: Students may use AI tools when explicitly permitted by instructional personnel. All technology use must prioritize the protection of personally identifiable information, academic integrity, equitable access and transparency.
What students cannot do: Students may not use AI to generate or complete academic work without explicit permission from instructional personnel. No sensitive, confidential or personally identifiable information may be entered into any AI system that has not been reviewed and approved by the district.
Behind the scenes: Seminole spent two years gathering data and survey information to assess the safety of various AI programs, a district spokesperson told News 6. The district piloted AI in elementary (grades 4-5), middle and high school last school year — using student, parent and teacher feedback to shape its districtwide rollout planned for the 2026-2027 academic year.
Families whose students participated in pilot programs were notified during the process. A broader districtwide communication plan for students, staff and families is currently being finalized ahead of the full rollout.
Consequences: Violations of this policy may result in disciplinary action and, where applicable, referral to law enforcement.
Sumter County School District
Sumter County Public Schools adopted Policy 7540.08 in 2024, and its language closely mirrors Brevard’s approach — striking a balance between embracing AI as a learning tool while firmly protecting academic integrity.
The School Board recognizes the positive impact AI technology may have in the district’s educational program and operations. The Superintendent is authorized to support the use of AI technology when its use is consistent with the district’s mission, goals and operational integrity.
What teachers can do: Teachers have the discretion to authorize students to use AI tools in the classroom. Sumter’s policy outlines five specific approved uses teachers may permit: research assistance, data analysis, language translation, writing assistance and accessibility support for students with disabilities. AI tools are positioned as a supplement to — not a replacement for — traditional learning methods.
What teachers cannot do: The policy does not include a detailed standalone section on broader staff AI use restrictions, however, it states staff may be disciplined for policy violations up to and including suspension or termination of employment.
What students can do: With prior teacher permission, students may use AI tools ethically and responsibly for the five approved uses listed above. Students who have questions about whether AI is permitted for a specific assignment are encouraged to ask their teacher.
What students cannot do: Using AI/NLP tools to complete schoolwork without a teacher’s express permission is strictly prohibited and is considered a form of plagiarism. Students are encouraged to develop their own knowledge, skills and understanding of course material rather than relying solely on AI tools.
Consequences: Students may be disciplined up to and including suspension or expulsion. Staff may face discipline up to and including termination. Illegal acts will be referred to law enforcement.
Volusia County Schools
Volusia County Schools addresses AI use through its Student Code of Conduct and Discipline rather than a standalone AI policy. The district defines academic integrity in the context of AI as using tools ethically, responsibly and as intended — to support learning, not to bypass it.
What teachers can do: Teachers retain full authority to permit or prohibit AI use on any specific assignment. Teachers may explicitly forbid AI tools on any given piece of schoolwork, and students are expected to follow those instructions without exception.
There are no specifics on what teachers are not allowed to do with artificial intelligence.
What students can do: AI may be used as a supplemental aid for brainstorming ideas, understanding complex texts or improving grammar and syntax. If significant insights or phrases are borrowed from AI, students must properly cite that use — just as they would cite a human source. AI may be used as a feedback mechanism during the writing process, with full transparent citation required.
What students cannot do: Submitting AI-generated text as original work is strictly forbidden — including essays, poems, stories or any other creative writing. Using AI to complete assignments, tests or projects in place of a student’s own work is considered cheating unless a teacher has specifically sanctioned it. Using AI to fabricate or manipulate data in research projects is prohibited, as is using AI as an uncredited collaborator on any project or assignment.
Consequences: Unauthorized AI use falls under the district’s cheating and academic dishonesty category — a Level 2 offense. Consequences include parent conferences, detention of three to five school days, loss of privileges for up to 30 school days and, for repeat offenses, in-school suspension.