Florida Bar AI Ethics Opinion: 2024 Guidance

Florida Bar has issued AI ethics guidance for Florida-licensed attorneys.

Florida-specific provisions

Confidentiality (Florida Rule 4-1.6)

AI use must:

1. Maintain client confidentiality
2. Pass vendor security review
3. Document confidentiality safeguards
4. Comply with Florida Information Protection Act (FIPA)

Supervision (Florida Rule 4-5.3)

1. Reasonable supervision of AI outputs
2. Vendor vetting and ongoing review
3. Audit log retention
4. Annual compliance review

Competence (Florida Rule 4-1.1)

1. Keep abreast of changes in law and practice
2. AI tools fall under competence requirements
3. Training and continuing education on AI use

Engagement letter language

"We may use AI-assisted tools including [tool name] in providing legal services to you. These tools process client information under our confidentiality and security policies, including Florida Bar Rule 4-1.6 and applicable FIPA provisions. All AI-generated outputs are reviewed by a licensed Florida attorney before being relied upon."

Acknowledgments

Florida Bar guidance, ABA Formal Opinions 512/533.

Dillon Deutsch has worked with Florida-licensed lawyers on AI compliance. https://courtgpt.ai