Starting Jan. 1, 2025, a Florida law will prohibit children 14 and under from creating profiles on social media platforms like TikTok, Snapchat, and Discord. Teens aged 14–15 would require parental consent to open accounts. Violations could result in fines of up to $50,000, and platforms that fail to delete accounts upon request may face penalties of $10,000 plus legal fees.
The law, championed by Republican House Speaker Paul Renner and Gov. Ron DeSantis, aims to protect children from “addictive” technologies and online predators. DeSantis emphasized the need for balance, advocating for policies that assist parents while avoiding overreach. The bill also mandates age verification for access to pornography or explicit websites.
Critics, including NetChoice and the Computer & Communications Industry Association, argue the law violates First Amendment rights. These groups filed legal challenges, citing concerns over censorship and barriers to lawful speech. Federal courts have previously struck down similar laws in Arkansas and Ohio, declaring them unconstitutional.
Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody’s office announced it would delay enforcement pending a court ruling on a motion for a preliminary injunction. A hearing is scheduled for Feb. 28, 2025.
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