Fraud detection lags behind adversaries Improper payments go unnoticed longer Cyber threats escalate faster than response capabilities Investigative backlogs grow while staff are overwhelmed The choice is not whether AI will shape government operations—it already is. The real question is whether Florida governs AI proactively or reacts after preventable failures. AI as a Defensive Force Multiplier When deployed responsibly, AI does not replace human judgment —it strengthens it. High-impact government use cases include: Detecting abnormal spending and vendor behavior Identifying coordinated fraud patterns across agencies Flagging high-risk claims for human review Prioritizing audits and investigations based on risk Detecting cybersecurity threats earlier In each case, AI functions as an early-warning system, allowing professionals to intervene sooner and more effectively. Cybersecurity: The Non-Negotiable Foundation AI systems must be treated as part of Florida’s broader cybersecurity ecosystem. This means: Secure data handling and access controls
Continuous monitoring and logging Protection against model manipulation and abuse Strong vendor security and transparency requirements
The Cost of Inaction Fraud and cyber threats do not pause for legislative caution. States that delay responsible AI adoption face: Higher improper payment rates Increased cyber incidents Larger investigative backlogs Rising costs and diminished public trust Florida’s size makes it both a high- value target and a high-impact leader. Leadership Through Preparedness Align With Existing Law Anchor AI governance to Florida’s established cybersecurity, privacy, and transparency requirements. AI is neither a cure-all nor an existential threat. It is a tool—one that adversaries already use. Florida’s opportunity is to lead by embracing responsible AI grounded in governance, cybersecurity, and transparency.Doing so protects taxpayer dollars, strengthens oversight, and preserves public trust. Preparedness — not fear — is Florida’s strongest defense. About the Author Ernie Sanders is the Director of Peraton’s State and Local business and leader of Peraton’s State and Local cybersecurity practice. Peraton has a mission to help secure our government and protect our citizens. They do so by engaging with government to innovate and drive technology.
AI should never operate outside existing cybersecurity, privacy, procurement, and public-records frameworks. A Practical Path Forward for Florida Florida does not need sweeping new bureaucracy to use AI responsibly. Instead, leaders should focus on practical, defensible actions: Use a Risk-Based Approach Low-risk uses such as analytics and summarization require minimal oversight, while high-risk uses—such as eligibility or enforcement—require human review, documentation, and appeal rights. Focus on Detection, Not Automation AI should identify risk and anomalies, not make final determinations affecting citizens Strengthen Procurement Guardrails Require transparency, audit rights, data ownership protections, and exit strategies from AI vendors. Pilot Before Scaling Introduce AI through controlled pilots with clear objectives, reporting, and measurable outcomes.
Florida Technology Magazine– 2026 Legislative Edition – 43
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