Politics
Florida’s under-14 social media restrictions can take effect after appeals ruling
A unanimous federal appeals panel cleared Florida to enforce its ban on social media accounts for children under 14 while a legal challenge continues. The ruling revives a law that opponents say threatens online free expression and supporters say is meant to protect young people from addictive platform design.
Florida can enforce its restrictions on social media accounts for children under 14 after a federal appeals court overturned an injunction that had blocked the law, setting up a renewed fight over child safety and free expression online.
The 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled 3-0 on Wednesday, Oct. 14, that the law likely regulates speech in a content-neutral way and is likely to survive a full legal challenge. The panel said the restrictions do not appear to burden substantially more speech than necessary to advance the state’s interest in protecting minors from social media addiction.
Signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis in 2024, the law prohibits children younger than 14 from holding social media accounts. It requires parental consent for 14- and 15-year-olds. The restrictions apply to platforms the law identifies as encouraging heavy use by children and that use algorithms alongside specified features considered addictive.
The Computer & Communications Industry Association and NetChoice, trade groups representing technology companies, sued the state, arguing that the law violates the free-speech rights of platforms and users. A federal judge ruled in 2025 that the law was likely unconstitutional and issued an injunction. That order was put on hold while the appeal was considered; Wednesday’s ruling overturns it.
NetChoice said it was disappointed and is weighing its next steps. “We are currently evaluating all of our options as we continue the fight to ensure Floridians’ rights to free expression online are protected, and parents remain in the driver’s seat when it comes to making decisions for their families,” said Paul Taske, a lawyer for the group.
The case now returns to federal court in Tallahassee. The appeals ruling allows enforcement for now but does not end the underlying lawsuit or resolve the constitutional questions through a final trial. The Florida attorney general’s office had not immediately responded to a request for comment.