Attorney General James Uthmeier on Tuesday proposed legislation that would allow Florida prosecutors to seek criminal penalties against companies whose artificial intelligence systems are found to have participated in criminal activity.
Under the proposal, liability could extend to businesses that own, control or distribute an AI system, including companies with practical control over its design, training, deployment or safety settings. Penalties could include fines, restitution to victims and court-ordered monitoring.
Uthmeier’s office did not release full legislative language or specify what level of knowledge, intent or involvement prosecutors would have to establish against a company.
“AI is not a silent tool. It answers the questions, picks the hour, chooses the place, and walks someone through the plan,” said Attorney General Uthmeier. “When a product participates in a crime like that, the company that built it is not a bystander. A chatbot cannot be charged, but the corporation that designed it, trained it, and collected the subscription can.”
The proposal follows a civil lawsuit Florida filed June 1 against OpenAI and CEO Sam Altman alleging the company misrepresented the safety of ChatGPT and failed to adequately address risks to minors. The new legislation would create a separate avenue for criminal liability.
Uthmeier’s office also pointed to an ongoing criminal investigation involving Phoenix Ikner, the accused gunman in the April 17, 2025, shooting at Florida State University that killed two people and wounded six others.
According to the Attorney General’s Office, investigators determined Ikner used ChatGPT while planning the attack and sought information about firearms, ammunition, the timing of campus activity and locations where large numbers of people would be present.
The office later expanded its investigation after a suspect accused of killing two University of South Florida doctoral students allegedly used ChatGPT to ask questions about disposing of a body, firearm possession and whether neighbors could hear a gunshot.
Separately, Florida has increased criminal penalties involving AI-generated child sexual abuse material. Gov. Ron DeSantis signed HB 1159 in March, making the creation of AI-generated child sexual abuse material a second-degree felony.
The proposed corporate liability measure would require legislative approval before becoming law.
“Artificial intelligence presents enormous opportunities, but its misuse is creating serious harm,” said Florida Department of Law Enforcement Commissioner Mark Glass. “Child sexual abuse material is dangerous and deeply damaging, even when fabricated. AI generated child sexual assault material can delay investigations, creates new pathways for exploitation, and can devastate real children and families. By staying vigilant and protecting our children, we can ensure AI is used to strengthen our communities, not harm them.”
