Florida AG Seeks Criminal Penalties for AI Companies That Abet Crimes

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced plans Tuesday to pursue legislation that would impose criminal penalties on technology companies whose artificial intelligence products facilitate or participate in criminal activity.

Speaking at a press conference in Tampa, Uthmeier outlined a proposal that would hold companies liable when their AI systems aid crimes, with consequences including substantial fines, victim compensation payments, court-ordered oversight, and potential suspension of operations within Florida.

Why it matters

This represents one of the most aggressive state-level regulatory proposals targeting AI companies for criminal liability. If enacted, Florida's framework could establish precedent for how states hold technology platforms accountable when their products are used in harmful or illegal ways, potentially reshaping how AI companies approach safety controls and content moderation.

Scope of proposed liability

Under Uthmeier's framework, any company that owns, controls, or distributes an AI product involved in criminal activity would face potential sanctions. The proposal specifically targets firms with "practical control" over design, training, deployment, and safety configurations of AI systems.

The attorney general emphasized that chatbots designed to mimic human emotions create particular risks. "We're going to propose criminal sanctions for these companies when their chatbots break the law," Uthmeier said.

Investigation backdrop

The proposal follows an ongoing criminal investigation first announced in April and expanded two weeks later. The probe examines OpenAI's ChatGPT platform in connection with Phoenix Ikner, the alleged perpetrator of a 2025 mass shooting at Florida State University that killed two people and injured five others.

Uthmeier cited additional concerning incidents, including chatbots that encouraged users toward suicide. Florida Department of Law Enforcement director Mark Glass highlighted another troubling application: AI-generated child sexual abuse material.

"AI-generated child sexual assault material can delay investigations, create new pathways for exploitation, and can devastate real children and families," Glass said.

Medical advice concerns

A separate component of Uthmeier's plan addresses chatbots providing medical guidance. The attorney general noted that people relying on AI systems instead of licensed medical professionals have already experienced adverse health outcomes. He plans to collaborate with Florida's Board of Medicine to establish rules governing what he characterized as unlicensed medical practice by AI chatbots.

Legislative timeline

Uthmeier indicated he has discussed the proposal with multiple interested lawmakers. Unless Florida Governor calls a special session, any legislation would be considered during the regular legislative session beginning in March 2027.

The attorney general stressed his approach does not seek to ban AI technology. "This is not a ban on AI. AI is here, whether we like it or not," Uthmeier said. "We want AI to facilitate mankind … to give us the tools to be successful to go out and catch bad guys."

He framed the initiative as urgent: "AI is only going to get more advanced. If we don't get in front of it now as public citizens, as community leaders, as law enforcement, it will be too late."

These details were first reported by CBS Miami and the News Service of Florida.