2026 Legislative Edition

Florida Technology Magazine is an educational publication produced by the Florida Technology Council to provide insight into technology trends, innovation, and public-private collaboration impacting Florida. The magazine is designed to inform legislators, agency leadership, and business leaders with practical, forward looking perspectives on technology policy, modernization, cybersecurity, workforce development, and emerging technologies. Content is intentionally focused on education and awareness, not promotion, and supports thoughtful decision making across state and local government. Articles and viewpoints expressed are intended to provide general information and do not constitute endorsements, legal advice, procurement guidance, or policy positions. Inclusion of organizations, technologies, or perspectives does not imply recommendation or preference by the Florida Technology Council or the Florida Technology Foundation.

Legislative Issue 2026

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Contents 2024 Legislative Edition

BUILDING SUSTAINABLE AI OPERATIONS IN GOVERNMENT: LESSONS FROM THE FIELD

FROM PRISON WALLS TO SILICON VALLEY CALLS: A STORY OF TECHNOLOGY AND TRANSFORMATION

USING THE OPEN GROUP ENTERPRISE ARCHITECTURE FRAMEWORK TO ACCELERATE STATE DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION

MODERNIZATION STARTS WITH A CLEAR STRATEGY

DIGITAL PUBLIC SERVICE REDEFINED: CLOUD CRM AND AGENTIC AI AT WORK

PROTECTING TRUST AT THE SPEED OF RISK: WHY MODERNIZATION MATTERS 39 PROTECTING TRUST AT THE SPEED OF RISK: WHY MODERNIZATION MATTERS 42 BALANCE INNOVATION AND RESPONSIBILITY TRUSTED AI GOVERNANCE: FLORIDA’S PATH FORWARD A FRAMEWORK FOR STATE LEADERS TO

HACKING HUMANS: HOW TO DEFEND AGAINST YOUR BIGGEST CYBER RISK

CHARTING A COURSE THROUGH AI’S MURKY WATERS

MODERNIZE OR FALL BEHIND: FLORIDA'S CRITICAL TECH CROSSROADS

MAKING GOVERNMENT WEBSITES WORK FOR EVERYONE: A 2026 ACCESSIBILITY ROADMAP

Florida Technology Magazine PUBLISHER : Florida Technology Council EDITOR : James Taylor DIRECTOR OF MARKETING: Ava Lamberti

FLORIDA TECHNOLOGY MAGAZINE is a triannual publication provided as a joint venture between nonprofits, the Florida Technology Council and the Florida Technology Foundation. PRICE: FLORIDA TECHNOLOGY MAGAZINE is an educational resource provided at no cost for Florida legislative and agency leaders. It is available digitally and free of charge to all recipients. This magazine is not for sale and adheres to Florida’s State gift ban statutes, ensuring compliance with all ethical standards. EDITORIAL RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT: Florida Technology Magazine publishes contributed content in good faith. All statements, facts, and representations are the sole responsibility of the contributing author. Florida Technology Magazine, the Florida Technology Council, and the Florida Technology Foundation assume no responsibility for errors, omissions, or inaccuracies, and disclaim liability for any actions taken in reliance on such content.

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Building Sustainable AI Operations in Government: Lessons from the Field By Paul Richards, Client Services Executive, World Wide Technology

The AI adoption wave is hitting state government with full force. Over the past two years, I've watched agencies across Florida begin their AI journeys - deploying chatbots, analytics tools, and automation systems at different paces and with varying levels of operational readiness. Getting AI working? That's the “easy” part. Agencies can launch proofs-of-concept and demonstrate capabilities in months, not years. The hard part is operating AI sustainably. Turning experiments into production infrastructure. Building operational discipline that lets you run AI systems reliably for years, through leadership transitions and budget cycles. This is where I'm seeing a consistent pattern emerge among successful agencies. The Two-Phase Approach: Prove Value, Then Scale Ask any agency leader and they'll describe the same reality: budgets aren't growing, but citizen expectations are. When the legislature is actively discussing AI policy, when citizens demand digital-first service delivery, when peer agencies announce initiatives - you need momentum.

reflects on their evolution: "We prioritized speed to delivery over perfection and deprioritized some steps in the planning process. And while our first chatbot was functional, we lacked visibility into how it worked. Different people knew different pieces, but nobody had the complete picture of the architecture. We couldn't accurately track costs. We didn't have proper monitoring in place. And when something broke, like losing connectivity to our policy library, troubleshooting was a long and tedious process. We figured it out... eventually." This is the reality of effective AI adoption in government - prove value fast to secure commitment, then build for scale.

Successful agencies take a phased approach. First, they demonstrate AI value quickly to build organizational buy-in and secure resources for long-term investment. Then, they use that momentum to build the operational maturity that makes AI sustainable at scale. This is exactly what's happening at Florida Department of Corrections. They proved their chatbot concept rapidly, delivered visible wins, and built confidence across the organization. Now they're strategically building the foundation for sustainable operations.

Ken Kicia, CIO at Florida Department of Corrections,

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It's how successful agencies operate: demonstrate capability, learn what's required, then architect for sustainability. The agencies that succeed long- term are the ones that recognize when it's time to invest in operational foundations. Key Pillars of Operational Sustainability Working with agencies across Florida, I've identified key operational pillars that distinguish sustainable AI implementations from science projects. Data Readiness AI is only as good as the data it runs on. Before scaling any AI system, you need clean, structured, accessible data with proper governance frameworks in place. This means assessing data quality, establishing data pipelines, and

This reduces technical debt and creates secure, scalable environments for rapid AI development. At FDC, this approach is evolving their chatbot from simple policy search into a platform supporting voice interfaces, mobile apps, Teams integration, additional data sets, Structured scaling frameworks that create predictable timelines and costs are essential. When new use cases emerge, you shouldn't start every conversation with "let me get back to you on scope." Agencies need approaches that assess readiness, plan scalable solutions, and deliver measurable value at each maturity stage. Production-Grade Governance Integrating governance and security from the start ensures AI systems are built to last. Scheduled maintenance, regular updates, budget forecasting, incident response procedures - this operational discipline separates infrastructure from science projects. and enhanced analytics. Predictable Scaling

Why Chatbots Matter Chatbots are emerging as an easier AI entry point. They're accessible, measurable, and deliver visible results quickly - perfect for the "prove value fast" phase. Ken's experience validates this: "The benefits show up quickly. Reduced call volume, faster and higher quality responses, and staff capacity reclaimed for higher- value work. These aren't theoretical. They become visible within weeks of deployment." The deeper insight: operational lessons learned with chatbots transfer directly to every other AI application. Agencies that master these pillars with chatbots are building muscle for everything that follows. The technical sophistication isn't solely in the AI model itself - it's also in the operational architecture that makes AI sustainable. The Real Advantage The competitive advantage in AI adoption isn't being first to

ensuring integration across systems. Without solid data foundations, even the most sophisticated AI will fail. Visibility

You need to understand your architecture end-to-end, track actual costs with monitoring data, and have real-time performance metrics that catch degradation before systems break. If you can't explain how your AI system works or what it costs to run, you're not

operating it sustainably. Platform Thinking

Smart agencies leverage enterprise platforms that integrate with existing technology investments.

deploy or having advanced algorithms. It's operational maturity - the ability to run AI Florida Technology Magazine – 2026 Legislative Edition – 5

systems reliably, scale them predictably, and sustain them through budget cycles and leadership transitions. Agencies with operational maturity deliver high quality services without adding headcount, have predictable costs, and build organizational AI literacy. And they do it on timelines that matter: months, not years. Where This Goes Next Florida agencies are navigating a crucial inflection point. As the legislature actively discusses AI policy, forward-thinking agencies aren't waiting for mandates - they're building operational maturity now. Citizens expect digital-first service delivery. Budget constraints remain unforgiving. Agencies like FDC that prove value quickly, then invest strategically in operational foundations, are positioning themselves for long-term success. This approach requires treating AI systems like critical infrastructure from day one of the scaling phase. It demands operational discipline that isn't glamorous but is essential for sustainability. When agencies figure out this two- phase approach and share those lessons openly, others can accelerate their journeys. This is how technology adoption should work: peer learning, transparent sharing, and collaborative problem-solving. The future of AI in government isn't only about futuristic capabilities. It's also about operational maturity applied to new technology.

good management. “

Or as Ken puts it: Do more with less. That's just

About the Author Paul Richards is a Client Services Executive at World Wide Technology, partnering with Florida state agencies on AI adoption and technology modernization.

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By Nethaji Kapavarapu, Technology Leader in Public-Sector Digital Transformation at Kyra Solutions Digital Public Service Redefined: Cloud CRM and Agentic AI at Work Modernization in government is no longer a distant goal; it is a pressing need today. Citizens now expect fast, transparent, and AI, are transforming government operations by enabling scalable, secure, and cost-efficient services. health, financial programs, and public engagement. At the same time, other states, including Rhode Island, Colorado, Georgia, Ohio, New Mexico, New Jersey, and

AI agents automate approvals, send proactive alerts, answer FAQs, and provide real-time updates, reducing call volumes and turning days of work into hours. Cloud CRM portals let citizens apply for benefits, renew licenses, and track requests online, allowing staff to focus on cases that require human judgment. This article highlights how Florida can modernize public services through Cloud CRM and Agentic AI while keeping citizens at the center. In Florida, several agencies have begun implementing Cloud CRM solutions across education,

personalized digital services, while agencies face rising demands for security, compliance, accessibility, and accountability. Meeting these expectations requires more than putting forms online; it demands a new model that integrates people, processes, and technology. Drawing from my experience architecting statewide digital platforms across public-sector agencies, I have seen how Cloud CRM and Agentic AI redefine service delivery at scale. Cloud CRM and Artificial Intelligence, specifically Agentic

Illinois, have already adopted these platforms to modernize licensing, permitting, inspections, grants, and long-term care, achieving significant gains in efficiency, transparency, and cost savings. Cloud CRM and Agentic AI: The New Backbone of Public Services Cloud CRM solutions centralize constituent data, unify workflows,

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and streamline administrative processes. With standards-driven architectures, they enable agencies to uphold federal and state compliance mandates while delivering accessible, user- centered digital services. The results are impressive: service delivery portals , enabling agencies to launch digital services in a couple of months instead of a year and deliver improvements to citizens much sooner. Up to 60% automation of 50-70% faster deployment of new programs and escalations , reducing delays, minimizing manual workload, and ensuring cases move forward even during peak demand. 25-40% increase in staff productivity and case throughput, as employees shift from repetitive tasks to higher-value work, resulting in faster responses and reduced backlogs across programs. routine approvals, verifications, and Cloud platforms accelerate modernization by replacing agency-specific systems with shared components like login, case deployment, improves consistency, and consolidates legacy workflows into a single CRM system, reducing redundancy and enabling cross-agency collaboration. Standardization strengthens secure data migration, interoperability, and partner integration, allowing management, and payment modules that can be reused statewide. This speeds up

legacy upgrades while preserving historical data and delivering a unified citizen experience. Modernization also relies on people. Public servants need intuitive tools, and residents need accessible services. Streamlined workflows reduce handoffs, remove redundancies, clarify accountability, and move applications through a single automated process—improving transparency and reducing delays. The Role of Agencies and Technology Partners in Ensuring Secure Modernization Security and trust remain the foundation of every digital modernization effort in government. As guardians of citizen data, state agencies must

meet rising expectations for privacy, compliance, and resilience while delivering services that feel as seamless as the best digital experiences in the private sector. In my role as a leading expert in Cloud CRM and AI-driven system design I architect statewide digital platforms that modernize public services and enhance government operations. I see firsthand how this balance is achieved when agencies and technology partners collaborate around secure, scalable Cloud CRM and Experience Cloud platforms, which are built on FedRAMP-secure platforms, support accessibility, configurable permissions, role-based access, multi-factor authentication, and detailed audit trails.

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Across Florida and other states, leaders are preparing their digital ecosystems for an era shaped by artificial intelligence, predictive analytics, and data-driven decision-making. Cloud CRM environments can quickly incorporate capabilities such as automated eligibility guidance, workload forecasting, and proactive resident notifications. These flexible platforms reduce technical debt and avoid costly rebuilds, helping agencies adapt to natural disasters, regulatory changes, and increasing service demands. Modernization in government is not just a technology upgrade; it is an organizational shift led by the public workforce itself. When technology, redesigned workflows, and human-centered practices align, agencies move beyond transactional service delivery toward greater efficiency, responsiveness, and citizen empowerment. Employees become more engaged as streamlined processes and better tools improve their work, while residents gain faster access to services. This alignment breaks down silos and creates a more collaborative, agile, people- centered government ready for modern demands. Florida: A Statewide Model for Cloud CRM + Agentic AI Florida is advancing major Cloud CRM and Agentic AI- enabled modernization efforts, delivering statewide programs that modernize citizen-facing services in the health, education, environmental and financial sectors.

For example, the Florida Prepaid College Board modernized its customer, donor, scholarship, and gifting experiences through unified Cloud CRM platforms supported by intelligent AI assistants. These systems now handle millions of citizen interactions, over $1 billion in annual transactions, and assets exceeding $15 billion, while providing personalized, real-time guidance to families, students, and donors. In the health sector, the FRAME program automated medical education reimbursement workflows, enabling fast, transparent distribution of millions in funding.

The Office of Medical Marijuana Use (OMMU) increased inspection capacity by 40% through unified licensing, compliance, and field-inspection tools powered by Agentic AI– driven workflows. Florida’s Department of Education transformed its School Choice program with an online portal supporting application intake, e- signatures, parent communications, and real-time case visibility, serving over 2 million students and improving transparency for families and educators.

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Modernization Success Across the United States Across the United States, government agencies are modernizing with Cloud CRM platforms, delivering measurable improvements in efficiency, compliance, and citizen transparency. Rhode Island: The Department of Environmental Management consolidated 36 license types and digitized agriculture and water permits, serving 35,000 residents, processing over 4,000 applications, and improving response efficiency by 85%. Colorado: Title V air quality permitting and compliance workflows were digitized on a FedRAMP-secure Cloud CRM platform, strengthening data accuracy and regulatory oversight. Georgia: The Medical Cannabis Commission implemented a unified system for licensing, COA oversight, inspections, and seed-to-sale tracking, supported by mobile tools and real-time dashboards. Ohio: The Department of Health replaced legacy tools with centralized CRM for long-term care licensing, automating licensure, scheduling, invoicing, and data exchange. New Mexico: This modernization effort delivered some of the strongest outcomes nationwide, including a 40% reduction in payment reconciliation time for the Medical Board, more than 143,000 applications processed by the Boards and

Commissions Division, millions saved by the Alcohol Division through an OTP- based portal that eliminated the need for 60,000+ external user licenses, and a 70% reduction in processing time for the Cannabis Control Division while supporting more than 3,000 license holders. New Jersey: Advanced cannabis regulation through automated workflows, mobile inspections, METRIC integration, and improved licensee visibility. Illinois: Modernized cannabis oversight with digitized licensing, integrated compliance tracking, and real- time inspection tools that strengthen regulatory transparency.

Cost-Savings Perspective — Why Multi-State Trends Matter Across states, Cloud CRM and Agentic AI cut costs by eliminating unnecessary licenses, reducing manual labor, and retiring expensive legacy systems. For example, New Mexico saved millions by automating reconciliation and processing, reducing the time required for these tasks. Workforce efficiency also improves as routine jobs are managed through automated approvals, routing, analytics, and mobile inspections. Citizens see significant improvements, with self-service portals and real-time updates that decrease in-person visits and administrative workload. Shared CRM components and continuously advancing AI capabilities also enable agencies to launch new programs more quickly and at much lower costs than traditional IT projects, making modernization both transformative and economically sustainable.

Together, these statewide transformations demonstrate how Cloud CRM and Agentic AI implementations are creating a scalable and repeatable modernization blueprint across the nation—delivering faster processing, significant cost savings, stronger compliance, and more transparent citizen experiences.

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are intuitive, responsive, and citizen-centered. This approach shows that modernization is about improving how government works and delivers impact. About Kyra Solutions Kyra Solutions has over 25 years of delivering modernizing technology to the public sector across multiple regulatory and service domains. Its client-focused approach and deep domain knowledge help state agencies improve compliance, speed service delivery, and enhance operational efficiency. About the Author Nethaji Kapavarapu is an experienced technology leader and innovator with nearly two decades of industry experience, including 11 years dedicated to public sector modernization. He specializes in enterprise architecture, Cloud, CRM, and AI-driven solutions that deliver citizen-centered services while advancing innovation, compliance, and public trust.

Steps Agencies Can Take Today with Cloud, CRM, and AI Modernization is a long-term journey, but agencies can start experiencing benefits right now by capitalizing on Cloud platforms, CRM tools such as Salesforce or Microsoft Dynamics 365, and Agentic AI in real-world applications: Transfer Citizen Services to the Cloud – Shift high- demand services like benefits claims, license renewals, and permits to cloud-based portals. This provides secure access anywhere, minimizes paper-based processes, and enhances scalability during peak demand. Apply CRM for a Single View of Citizens – Integrate citizen records into advanced CRM technologies such as Salesforce or Dynamics 365 to do away with silos. One view of engagement enables agencies to respond quickly, cut duplication, and provide more tailored service. Streamline Approvals with Automation – Integrate CRM workflows with AI-driven automation to automate repetitive verifications, eligibility checks, and routing. This speeds up processing and frees employees to handle intricate cases that require human judgment. Empower Proactive Communication – Leverage CRM notifications and AI- powered alerts to keep citizens notified of

application status, deadlines, or impending eligibility changes and minimize frustration and enhance trust. Modernize Data Migration and Interoperability – Move legacy data safely into cloud- based CRM systems and establish interoperability standards. AI solutions can help cleanse and map data, ensuring consistency across systems. Enhance Security and Transparency – Cloud platforms and CRM systems today offer natively built-in encryption, audit trails, and monitoring. Agencies can further leverage AI to identify anomalies, prevent fraud, and publish performance data through public dashboards. A Forward-Looking Model for Modern Governance Florida’s modernization reflects a significant shift in how government serves residents. Progress happens when technology, people, and redesigned processes work together. Cloud CRM and Agentic AI provide the digital foundation, but public employees who rethink workflows and support citizens turn these tools into real value. By adopting innovations that improve collaboration, transparency, accountability, and resilience, Florida is increasing efficiency and trust. The state is creating an inclusive and secure digital environment where services

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Charting a Course Through AI’s Murky Waters By Randy Phares, Sr. Major Account Executive, Akamai

The United States does not yet have a single, comprehensive AI law. Instead, a patchwork of federal executive actions and plans (notably America’s AI Action Plan and related Executive Orders most recently the executive order signed by President Trump on December 11, 2025), the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) AI Risk Management Framework, and sectoral statutes like the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) at HHS from the Department of Health and Human Services collectively shape AI governance. At the U.S. state level, there was some momentum with the passing of Colorado’s AI Act (Senate Bill 24-205), which was designed to focus on consumer protection against “algorithmic

discrimination” from “high-risk” AI systems like housing, employment, and healthcare, and is expected to become law in mid- 2026. Importantly, there is no categorical restriction on the use of AI or machine learning for cybersecurity purposes. Instead, the focus is on ensuring that systems are trustworthy, secure, and do not introduce undue risk — principles that align with best practices in security operations. Now the new Trump order, titled "Eliminating State Law Obstruction of National AI Policy," seeks to establish a minimally burdensome national standard rather than 50 different state regulatory regimes. States would face significant limitations on their ability to regulate AI going forward. Tech policy researchers say the Trump

administration cannot restrict state regulation in this way without Congress passing a law, and legal challenges are expected. While the question of whether a federal authority can block state laws on artificial intelligence is a complex and evolving constitutional issue, Florida has an opportunity to be a national model for shaping state and influencing federal frameworks in AI security governance. Florida lawmakers already plan to sponsor a specific “AI Bill of Rights” to tackle issues like deepfakes, algorithmic bias, consumer protection, data privacy, and transparency with number of proposals:

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Banning local governments from contracting with Chinese-created AI tools Preventing AI companies from selling consumer data Fortifying anti-deep fake protections Allowing parents to access their child’s conversations with these chatbots Requiring attorneys to certify whether they used AI to write legal briefs Prohibiting utility companies from charging Floridians to subsidize data centers Allowing local governments to refuse AI data centers Preventing AI data centers being constructed construction in agricultural areas Policymakers can take steps to protect the public from the new technology with a “State AI and Bot Framework” incorporating the same strict "never trust, always verify" policy as human users, requiring continuous authentication, least-privilege access, and real-time monitoring to prevent exploiting gaps in systems, which often struggle with bot- driven attacks mimicking human behavior at scale. Establish effective and constant coordination between legal compliance teams and cybersecurity teams to find balanced approaches. Implement a tiered assessment program that distinguishes among AI used for citizen- facing decision-making or broad-based “answer anything” type systems (e.g., chatbots), AI used exclusively for threat detection and security-based decision- making, and employee use of AI platforms for content creation or citizen

engagement.

Strong Identity Verification: Every entity, human or machine, must be rigorously authenticated and authorized at every access attempt. Principle of Least Privilege (PoLP): This foundational security principle ensures that all entities have only the minimum access rights necessary to perform their specific tasks. Microsegmentation: GenAI attacks are fast and adaptable, meaning perimeter defenses will likely fail. Dividing the network into small, isolated segments to control lateral movement and enforce granular policies across applications and physical operational technology devices. Continuous Monitoring for Applications and API’s: All digital traffic and AI behavior are monitored for anomalies in real time, allowing for rapid detection and response to potential threats. Firewall for AI: Real-time input/output security for compliance, privacy, and safe generative AI interactions. This security layer protects users interacting with AI from threats like prompt injection, data leaks, and misuse by inspecting both user inputs (prompts) and AI outputs in real-time, using AI to identify malicious patterns, filter sensitive data, enforce policies, and block harmful content before it reaches the user or the model.

Require model transparency documentation (e.g., data- lineage maps, validation, and testing reports, etc.) that satisfy specific the specific AI Act and NIST documentation requirements while still protecting proprietary detection logic. From a compliance perspective, “It ain’t compliant if you can’t prove it!” Adopt privacy-preserving telemetry, such as hashing, tokenization, or differential privacy, whenever possible so security models can ingest high-fidelity signals without processing PII, which can reduce exposure. Establish a continuous monitoring and improvement loop. Align performance monitoring with regulatory mandates for post deployment monitoring, ensuring that drift and false-positive spikes are promptly addressed and documented. Enhanced scrutiny of technology companies with relationships enabling the development of powerful AI by Chinese companies, and their management of AI web traffic, including that from Chinese bots. Mandatory disclosure and approval process for any state systems integrating foreign AI services. Implementing technological framework in an AI environment involving several key practices:

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Florida legislators face a critical window to establish leadership in securing AI and bot-driven environments before preventable breaches and unintended outcomes occur. Creating a Florida AI and Bot Framework provides a comprehensive, forward-looking approach that acknowledges the reality of automated entities as both tools and potential threat vectors. By moving beyond hoping AI will be secure by default to actively knowing it is contained by stringent, dynamically enforced guardrails, Florida can protect its digital infrastructure, citizen data, and democratic institutions while still leveraging the benefits of AI innovation. About the Author Randy Phares is an ISC2 Cyber Certified Sr. Major Account Executive supporting the State of Florida at Akamai Technologies. Akamai's core mission is to "power and protect life online", making digital experiences fast, reliable, and secure for billions of users daily by solving complex internet challenges in cloud computing, cybersecurity, and content delivery. “ The time to act with

legislative focus is now— before policy gaps become security catastrophes.

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Making Government Websites Work for Everyone: A 2026 Accessibility Roadmap

By Adrian Esquivel, CEO, TECKpert For many Floridians, a government website is the front door to public services. It is where a family signs up for benefits, a small business renews a license, or a resident checks storm information during a fast-moving emergency. When a site is difficult to navigate with a keyboard, a screen reader, or captions, people do not just get frustrated. They get blocked from services. Accessibility is also moving from best practice to a clear requirement. In April 2024, the US

Use USWDS to Standardize Design and Reduce Risk One of the most effective accelerators available to government teams is the US Web Design System, commonly called USWDS. USWDS provides accessible components, patterns, and implementation guidance that help teams start closer to compliance before they add custom features. It also reduces one of the biggest cost drivers in government web programs: every site being built as a custom experience with inconsistent navigation, forms, and content templates.

local government web content and mobile apps. For agencies serving 50,000 or more people, the compliance date is April 24, 2026. Smaller entities generally have until April 26, 2027. The takeaway for leadership is straightforward: accessibility is not a single audit or a one-time remediation project. It is an operating discipline that touches procurement, design, content, development, and ongoing support. Agencies can reduce risk quickly by standardizing design patterns, focusing on the highest impact user journeys, and adding practical checks to the way they publish and release changes.

Department of Justice issued a final rule under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act that sets WCAG 2.1 Level AA as the technical standard for state and 16 – 2026 Legislative Edition – Florida Technology Magazine

When agencies adopt a shared design system, they do not just make one site better. They create repeatable components for forms, alerts, navigation, and common templates that can be reused across programs. Fix the component once, then apply it everywhere it is used. The Role of the CMS in Maintaining Standards A Content Management System (CMS) is the engine that ensures accessibility remains consistent over time. USWDS is platform- agnostic, meaning it can be integrated into both Drupal and WordPress environments, which is a critical advantage for agencies managing a diverse portfolio of sites. Drupal is particularly well-suited for high-complexity government sites. Its robust architecture allows for a component-based approach, where USWDS patterns are baked directly into the theme. This ensures that even as different departments publish thousands of pages, the underlying structure remains compliant. In Drupal, accessibility is managed at the configuration level, meaning the system can be set up to prevent editors from accidentally breaking the layout or skipping necessary accessibility tags. WordPress offers similar consistency through purpose-built themes and block patterns. By providing editors with a library of pre-approved USWDS blocks, agencies can limit ad hoc page building. This strategy treats the design system as the single source of truth, ensuring that every new

homepage.

and form patterns can produce the same defect across hundreds of pages. Fixing the pattern removes defects at scale. Then, add checks to how work is delivered. Accessibility belongs in definition of done, not as a last- minute scramble before launch. Automated testing, linting, and periodic manual reviews help teams avoid reintroducing old problems. Do not overlook content. Many failures are not in code. They are in missing alternative text, unclear link labels, poorly structured headings, or uncaptioned video. Short, role-based training for content editors reduces repeat issues. Consider Accessibility Widgets Carefully

Build Accessibility into the Full Lifecycle Most accessibility efforts stall because they start with a long list of defects and no way to prevent the same issues from returning. Sustainable compliance comes from repeatable governance and steady execution. Start by prioritizing based on service impact. Combine automated scans with manual testing, then focus on the top service journeys that residents use most. High-volume pages, forms, and time-sensitive updates usually deliver the biggest return. Next, remediate shared components first. Templates, themes, headers, footers, search,

update follows the same accessibility rules as the

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Accessibility widgets can offer useful controls for some users, such as text resizing or contrast options. They can also provide a feedback channel. However, a widget is not a substitute for conformant templates, accessible forms, or properly structured content. If an agency chooses to use a widget, treat it as a supplement with governance, testing, and a plan for ongoing maintenance. Choose Platforms That Support Compliance and Security Accessibility and cybersecurity are both pillars of public trust. A site that is accessible but insecure risks data breaches that can harm vulnerable populations; conversely, a secure site that is inaccessible remains unusable. For public sector teams, the most effective way to manage these risks is to host their CMS on a FedRAMP-authorized platform. FedRAMP authorization ensures that the hosting environment meets rigorous federal security standards. While a secure platform does not automatically make a website accessible, it provides the stable, predictable environment necessary for accessibility tools to function correctly. By utilizing enterprise- grade hosting for Drupal and WordPress, agencies can focus their resources on user experience and content, rather than worrying about the underlying infrastructure or security vulnerabilities that could compromise the service during a crisis. A Strategic Imperative for 2026

The 2026 and 2027 deadlines represent a turning point for digital experiences in the public sector. For years, web accessibility was treated as a secondary concern, often ignored until a legal challenge arrived. Under the new Title II rule, that era has ended. Meeting these requirements is a significant undertaking, but it is also an opportunity to modernize aging digital infrastructure. By adopting standardized systems like USWDS and embedding accessibility into the procurement and content lifecycles, agencies can move beyond mere compliance. The goal is to build a digital front door that is truly open to every resident, ensuring that essential services remain reachable by everyone, regardless of how they navigate the web. The roadmap is clear; the time to begin the work is now.

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From Prison Walls to Silicon Valley Calls: A Story of Technology and Transformation By Perservere

speaks louder than potential. Today, that same man starts his mornings differently. From his Florida home office, he logs into systems at Vant4ge's Salt Lake City headquarters, where his work as a QA Tester helps shape cutting- edge public safety technology. The transformation wasn't miraculous: it was the result of determination, preparation, and unwavering support. From Code to Career: Inside the Transformation Vincent's path to becoming a full-stack developer did not begin with a job offer. It began inside the

Each morning at Wakulla Correctional Institution began with the same sounds. Steel doors echoing through concrete corridors. The mechanical count. The steady rhythm of a world where time stood still. For Vincent M. Gordon Delemos, those sounds marked days that blurred together, each one indistinguishable from the last. As technology evolved at a dizzying pace beyond the prison walls, Delemos watched his future seemingly contract. In a world increasingly driven by digital innovation, he faced the stark reality awaiting many upon release: limited opportunities, skeptical employers, and the weight of a record that often

walls of Wakulla Correctional Institution, where he enrolled in Persevere's intensive 12-month full-stack development program. What started as an introduction to HTML and the basics of coding soon evolved into a transformative process that reshaped his sense of identity, direction, and possibility. Inside the classroom, Persevere instructors pushed Vincent to think like a software engineer. The program required discipline: daily standups, project sprints, peer reviews, and real-world problem- solving. As the months passed, he built increasingly complex applications while mastering front- end frameworks, back-end architecture, databases, and version control. More importantly,

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he developed the professional habits the tech industry demands: persistence, collaboration, communication, and the ability to break down challenges into solutions. But technical skills alone wouldn't be enough. Persevere's model extends far beyond technical instruction. Vincent worked closely with mentors, case managers, and coordinators who helped him prepare for life and work outside the facility. Resume building, mock interviews, career coaching, family reconnection support, and reentry planning ensured he didn't just leave with skills. He left with a roadmap. By the time he graduated, Vincent wasn't simply proficient in code; he was prepared for the expectations, culture, and pace of the tech workforce. When an opportunity opened at Vant4ge just two months after his release, Vincent was ready. For Vant4ge, a public safety technology company based in Salt Lake City, Vincent's remote work proved what forward-thinking employers already know: talent isn't limited by geography or history. "Vincent secured his offer the same way anyone does at Vant4ge: by shipping quality work," explains Sean Hosman, CEO of Vant4ge. "His QA discipline, curiosity, and pace add value on day one. When partners like Persevere prepare candidates with real skills and support, employers get high-performance team members and stronger products." The numbers tell a powerful story. While Florida's recidivism rate sits

Employers interested in meeting Persevere candidates can contact employers@perseverenow.org or vsit perseverenow.org/employer-info.

at 21.3%, Persevere graduates maintain a rate below 3% nationwide, a stark contrast that speaks to the program's effectiveness. And 87% of graduates secure employment within six months of release, transforming skills into stable careers. "Vincent's achievement shows what happens when skill meets opportunity and support," says Stacey Books, CEO of Persevere. "Persevere prepares talented people with industry-aligned training and stands with them for a full year after release; employers gain resilient, high-output contributors who strengthen teams and deliver results." Today, Vincent is living the life he once thought was impossible. "Five years ago, I would not have dreamed of being where I am right now," he reflects. "I am focused on learning, growing, and giving back to people who think their situations are hopeless." Vincent's story reflects a growing workforce trend. According to the Society for Human Resource Management (2024),81% of managers report that employees

with prior justice involvement perform as well or better than their peers. In today's remote-first tech landscape, potential is no longer defined by geography or history. It's defined only by skill, dedication, and the willingness to grow. As Hosman emphasizes, "Vant4ge strongly believes in second chances for those individuals who earn them." For employers navigating talent shortages in competitive markets, partnerships with organizations like Persevere offer access to motivated professionals who bring both technical excellence and hard-won resilience. Each morning, as Vincent logs in to work from his Florida home, the sound that begins his day is no longer a correctional institution's bell but the quiet hum of his laptop, a simple sound that represents a future rebuilt through effort, opportunity, and unwavering support. He's not just writing code. He's rewriting his story.

Florida Technology Magazine – 2026 Legislative Edition – 21

Modernization Starts With a Clear Strategy

-Fiona McFarland, Chair of the House, IT and Policy Subcommittee

-Representative Omar Blanco

By The Florida Technology Council Anyone following the Florida

scale, and expectations of modern service delivery. Leadership within the Florida House Information Technology and Policy Subcommittee has made clear that incremental change is no longer acceptable. Under the leadership of Representative Fiona McFarland, the Subcommittee has focused squarely on structural reform in how the State procures and manages technology. Ranking Member Representative Lindsay Cross has questioned whether existing State Term Contract requirements remain fit for purpose, while Representative Lopez has pressed for answers on why other states are moving

faster through their procurement processes. Representative Miller has raised concerns about IT project scopes that are unclear, overly prescriptive, or developed without the right stakeholders at the table. Representative Omar Blanco has addressed how commodity IT purchases are being slowed by rules designed for large scale projects, underscoring the need to distinguish true commodities from complex implementations. Representative Giallombardo has emphasized the importance of clearly defining best value in statute and requiring evaluation criteria that prioritize outcomes rather than price alone.

House of Representatives’ Information Technology and Policy Subcommittee has seen a long overdue shift in how Florida is addressing IT procurement and management of government information technology. For years, state agencies have delivered essential services using aging platforms, fragmented systems, and procurement models built in a different era. Dedicated public servants have worked tirelessly within those constraints, yet those limitations have often slowed modernization, increased costs, and reduced flexibility. Technology designed decades ago now struggles to meet the pace,

– 2026 Legislative Edition – Florida Technology Magazine 22

Taken together, these efforts signal that Florida is clearly pushing to move from reactive technology spending toward a disciplined, strategy driven approach that prioritizes speed, interoperability, security, and accountability. This shift marks a critical inflection point for state government. Decisions made during this transition will shape how Florida delivers services, protects sensitive data, and supports its workforce for decades to come. From Fragmentation to Shared Direction Fragmentation remains one of the most persistent challenges in public sector technology. Agencies operate independently with different systems, procurement timelines, and technology standards. While that autonomy supports mission specific needs, fragmentation often leads to duplication, incompatibility, and unnecessary expense. A modern statewide strategy provides shared direction without removing agency authority. Common objectives and baseline standards align security, interoperability, and long-term value across government. That alignment allows agencies to modernize with confidence, knowing each investment supports a broader statewide mission rather

priorities, and guardrails while agency leadership retains control over implementation. This structure ensures consistency where consistency matters and flexibility where flexibility remains essential. Agencies continue selecting solutions that support their operational needs, but those solutions align with statewide requirements for interoperability, cybersecurity, and sustainability. Shared navigation replaces shared control. This approach allows Florida to scale modernization without slowing momentum. Why Clear Standards Increase Speed Some agencies worry that oversight slows progress, but uncertainty causes far more delay than clarity. Projects often stall when security requirements, interoperability expectations, or compliance standards emerge late in the procurement process. Rework and revision then consume time and resources that agencies can least afford. Establishing standards at the beginning of a project eliminates that uncertainty. Clear expectations allow agencies to plan efficiently, move decisively, and avoid last minute disruptions. Front end discipline produces faster delivery and more predictable outcomes. Interoperability Without Uniformity Interoperability does not require identical tools across government. Interoperability requires systems that communicate effectively, scale responsibly, and

share data securely. Defining statewide technical requirements prevents the creation of isolated technology silos while preserving agency choice. Aligned modernization efforts also create opportunities for shared platforms, enterprise licensing, and coordinated procurement. Those efficiencies reduce redundant spending and strengthen Florida’s collective buying power. Strategic alignment enables collaboration without forcing uniformity. Supporting the People Carrying the Mission Agency leaders and technology professionals remain central to every modernization effort. Any successful strategy must reduce friction and remove barriers rather than add complexity. Clear frameworks empower professionals to focus on outcomes instead of navigating uncertainty. Supporting agencies with defined standards, consistent expectations, and collaborative partnerships allows modernization efforts to succeed. Agencies perform best when systems support execution rather than impede progress. Statewide alignment creates conditions for talent to deliver results. The Path Forward Florida has the opportunity to establish a modernization model that positions the State for long term success. Executed through a deliberate three-year rollout, this effort allows agencies to modernize in phases, incorporate lessons learned, and respond to evolving needs without losing strategic alignment.

than existing in isolation. Strategy Without Centralization

Modernization efforts often raise concerns about centralization, yet effective models separate strategy from execution. A centralized strategy defines outcomes,

Florida Technology Magazine – 2026 Legislative Edition – 23

Modernization is not a single initiative or procurement cycle. Modernization represents an ongoing commitment to clarity, alignment, and execution. With purpose and coordination, Florida can deliver technology that is faster, more

secure, and better aligned with the needs of the people it serves. That work is underway. The responsibility now is to execute it well.

-Warren Sponholtz, Deputy CISO

-Jonathan Conrad, CEO at ISF

-Cole Sousa, CIO for Children and Families

-Michelle McGinley, Managing Director at Accenture

24 – 2026 Legislative Edition – Florida Technology Magazine

To a less-savvy help desk specialist, that response might have seemed credible. That’s how convincing threat actors have become in impersonating employees and how capable they are at extracting personally identifiable information about their targets from the internet. The tip-off in this case? The specialist knew that oncologists don’t typically work in the emergency room and discerned this was a brazen breach attempt. Fortunately, it failed. “Not all help desk individuals have that sixth sense or have the level of training needed to thwart attacks the way this individual did,”

says Ryan Witt, vice president of industry solutions at Proofpoint, which specializes in enterprise email risk and cyberthreat protection. “Nor do they have the level of technology and authentication capability built into their infrastructure right now to stop these types of attacks at scale.” And threat actors know it. The Help Desk: High- Value Target Under Siege

A tech support specialist at a public healthcare institution answered what sounded like a routine call: An oncologist, identifying himself as a staff member, explained he had purchased a new smartphone and needed to reset his credentials to access his accounts. The tech specialist asked a few standard identity challenge questions, but despite how easily the oncologist responded with the correct answers, something didn’t feel right. “By the way, where are you calling from?” he asked the doctor. “Well, at the moment, I’m in the ER,” the oncologist replied. “I can give you the phone number if you like.”

For government agencies, institutions and enterprises

Florida Technology Magazine – 2026 Legislative Edition – 25

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