Florida allowed to enforce ban on social media for under-14s
The state of Florida won a key court decision Wednesday that allows it to enforce a ban on social media accounts for children under 14 and other restrictions.
Florida has secured a significant legal victory allowing it to enforce a ban on social media accounts for children under 14, along with other restrictions. The ruling came from the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Wednesday.
The law, enacted in 2024 under Governor Ron DeSantis, was among the most stringent in the U.S. concerning minors' social media usage. Industry groups had challenged the law, citing violations of free speech rights.
The appeals court found that while the law implicates the First Amendment, it likely does so in a "content-neutral manner." The panel ruled that the law would likely withstand legal challenges because it does not burden substantially more speech than necessary to protect minors from social media addiction.
The legislation prohibits social media accounts for Floridian children younger than 14 and requires parental consent for those aged 14 or 15. Trade associations, including the Computer & Communications Industry Association and NetChoice, had sued the state, arguing the law infringed upon the free speech rights of both social media providers and users. An injunction previously granted by a lower court in 2025 is now overturned.
The case will return to federal court in Tallahassee. The appeals court clarified that the law applies to platforms identified as inducing heavy use by children and utilizing algorithms and addictive features. NetChoice expressed disappointment and stated they are evaluating further legal options.