The law, signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis in 2024, bars children under 14 from holding social media accounts and requires parental consent for 14- and 15-year-olds. It also applies to platforms identified as encouraging heavy use by children and that use algorithms alongside specified features the state considers addictive.

The appeals panel said the measure implicates First Amendment rights but likely does so in a content-neutral way. In its unanimous opinion, the court concluded the law would likely survive a full challenge because it does not restrict substantially more speech than necessary to protect minors from social media addiction.

The Computer & Communications Industry Association and NetChoice, trade groups representing technology companies, sued the state, arguing the law violates the free-speech rights of both platforms and users. A federal judge in 2025 found the law likely unconstitutional and issued an injunction. That order was paused while the appeal was considered; the appeals court’s ruling now removes the injunction, and the case returns to federal court in Tallahassee.

NetChoice lawyer Paul Taske said the group was disappointed and was assessing its options, saying it would continue defending online expression and parents’ role in decisions for their families. The Florida attorney general’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The ruling puts Florida’s law among the country’s most restrictive measures governing minors’ social media use. The case remains active, so the appeals court’s decision allowing enforcement at this stage does not end the constitutional dispute.