Florida’s Digital Transformation in the Public Sector: Key Learnings from the Innovation Showcase

Public Sector Network’s Government Innovation Showcase Florida brought together leaders across government, public safety, and technology to explore how innovation is reshaping public services. From digital courts to AI-driven automation, the event highlighted practical strategies for improving access, efficiency, and trust across Florida’s public sector.

Bridging Access & Trust: The Future of Florida’s Digital Courts

The morning kicked off with a fireside chat featuring Roosevelt Sawyer, CIO of the Office of the State Courts Administrator, moderated by Bill Greeves. They explored the state’s digital transformation journey in the judicial system, focusing on delivering justice anywhere and strengthening public trust.

Sawyer shared how Florida courts have leveraged technology to provide remote court proceedings and digital access to justice, which became especially crucial during the pandemic. Over 1,200 video conferencing licenses were deployed to maintain continuity, enabling citizens to participate in judicial processes from anywhere. He also highlighted the role of cybersecurity, with the newly formed cybersecurity committee providing statewide governance to protect sensitive court data.

Key takeaways:

• Remote court proceedings are now permanent, expanding accessibility across all 20 judicial circuits.
• Cybersecurity is central to public trust, with standardized policies and committees ensuring consistent protection across the branch.
• Collaboration with the Florida Courts Technology Commission ensures interoperability and efficiency in case management systems.
• Future innovations like AI chatbots and process automation promise to streamline workflows while enhancing citizen engagement.

Advancing Public Safety: Intelligent Systems, Cyber Resilience, and Multi-Sector Collaboration

Next, the panel on public safety explored how data-driven systems and advanced cybersecurity are transforming emergency response in Florida. Panelists included Jennifer Huff, Kimberly Jackson, Michelle Taylor, and Keith Nelson, with Bill Greeves moderating.

The discussion emphasized real-time data integration, AI-powered analytics, and inter-agency collaboration as critical for enhancing situational awareness and improving community safety. Strategies for securing emergency communication networks were shared, alongside best practices for cross-sector collaboration between government agencies, private partners, and community organizations.

Key takeaways:

• AI and IoT improve situational awareness and emergency coordination.
• Cyber resilience is integral to protecting critical infrastructure and public services.
• Collaborative planning across sectors strengthens Florida’s public safety ecosystem.

AI for Smarter Organizations: Automating Public Sector Efficiency While Strengthening Cyber Resilience

The conversation on AI adoption in government highlighted both opportunities and challenges. Speakers Clifford Stokes and Nick Stohlman, moderated by Bill Greeves, discussed automation in public sector operations, focusing on efficiency gains and cybersecurity protections.

They examined readiness assessments, responsible AI implementation, and strategies for ensuring ethical, secure, and transparent adoption. The panel emphasized scalable innovation frameworks that prepare organizations for long-term modernization.

Key takeaways:

• Small-scale AI pilots can unlock efficiency while informing larger enterprise initiatives.
• Automation improves internal workflows and strengthens cybersecurity response.
• Transparent governance and ethical frameworks are critical for public trust in AI deployment.
• Responsible AI guidelines help public agencies safely integrate new technologies.

Collaborative Digital Evolution: Enhancing Citizen Services Through Technology

Later, a panel moderated by Bill Greeves explored how digital technologies are transforming citizen experiences. Panelists Frank Quintana, Danielle Spangler, and Chris Ingle shared insights on AI-driven tools, cross-agency collaboration, and citizen-centric service design.

The session emphasized the need for governments to break down silos and create seamless, accessible public services. Examples included real-time response systems and digital platforms that reduce wait times and increase equitable access to services.

Key takeaways:

• Citizen-focused technology is essential for modern government service delivery.
• AI tools and automation streamline interactions, improving efficiency and inclusivity.
• Cross-agency collaboration ensures cohesive and connected experiences for the public.
• Public sector digital strategies, such as Florida Digital Service initiatives, serve as a model for citizen-centered innovation.

Cross-Sector Strategies for Economic Innovation and Leadership

The final panel of the day addressed emerging technologies and economic growth strategies. Featuring Cecile Latimore, Andrew Brown, and Shon Bynum, with Bill Greeves moderating, the discussion highlighted Florida’s potential to lead in AI, advanced analytics, and smart infrastructure while building a future-ready workforce.

Cybersecurity was emphasized as both a trust enabler and economic catalyst, ensuring that innovation ecosystems remain secure and attractive to investors. The panel also explored policy frameworks and cross-sector partnerships to drive sustained statewide growth.

Key takeaways:

• Leveraging AI, quantum computing, and analytics can accelerate economic innovation.
• Developing a skilled, adaptable workforce is critical for future readiness.
• Cybersecurity ensures confidence in public and private sector innovation ecosystems.
• Policies that support collaboration and technology adoption help maintain a competitive digital economy.

Overall Learnings from the Innovation Showcase Florida

The Government Innovation Showcase Florida highlighted one overarching truth: digital transformation in government isn’t just about technology - it’s about people, trust, and collaboration.

Across courts, public safety agencies, AI initiatives, citizen services, and economic strategy, leaders are finding that success requires:

• Prioritizing access and trust in all digital initiatives
• Embedding cybersecurity and governance into the foundation of operations
• Embracing AI responsibly to enhance efficiency without compromising ethics
• Driving cross-agency collaboration to break down silos and improve outcomes
• Linking innovation to workforce and economic growth to sustain public value

Florida is setting a national standard for modern, resilient, and citizen-centered government, proving that thoughtful technology adoption can drive better outcomes for both government and the communities it serves.

Keep an eye out - Full session recordings will be available soon!