Florida can move forward with enforcing its law restricting social media use by children under 14 after a federal appeals court ruled in the state’s favor Wednesday. The decision reverses an earlier injunction that had blocked enforcement of the law while a legal challenge continued.
The ruling concerns a 2024 law signed by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis that restricts social media access for younger users and requires parental consent for teenagers ages 14 and 15. The legislation is among the more restrictive state-level efforts in the United States to limit children’s use of social media.
In a unanimous 3-0 opinion, a panel of the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals said the law likely could withstand a constitutional challenge because it advances the state’s interest in protecting minors from social media addiction without placing an excessive burden on speech.
The court acknowledged that the legislation implicates First Amendment rights but said it likely does so in a content-neutral manner. The judges also concluded that the law does not appear to restrict substantially more speech than necessary to advance the state’s interest in protecting children.
The decision does not end the legal dispute. Instead, it allows enforcement to proceed while the underlying lawsuit returns to federal court in Tallahassee.
What Florida’s Social Media Law Requires
Florida’s law prohibits children under 14 from maintaining social media accounts on covered platforms. Teenagers who are 14 or 15 must obtain parental consent to use those services.
The restrictions do not apply indiscriminately to every online service. The appeals court noted that the law targets platforms identified as encouraging heavy use by children and that use algorithms alongside certain features considered potentially addictive.
The legislation was signed in 2024 as state and federal policymakers continued debating the effects of social media on children’s well-being, online experiences and daily habits.
Supporters of restrictions on minors’ social media use have argued that lawmakers should take steps to address concerns about addictive platform features and children’s exposure to online risks. Technology industry groups, however, have challenged laws that limit access to social media, arguing that such restrictions raise constitutional concerns.
Technology Groups Challenged the Law
The Computer & Communications Industry Association and NetChoice filed a lawsuit challenging Florida’s legislation. The groups argued that the law violated the free-speech rights of social media companies and their users.
In 2025, a federal judge concluded that the law was likely unconstitutional and issued an injunction blocking its enforcement. That injunction was placed on hold while the appeals court considered the case.
The appeals court’s 3-0 decision overturns that injunction, clearing the way for Florida to enforce the restrictions while the lawsuit continues through the federal court system.
The dispute centers on how far the state can go in regulating social media platforms to protect minors without violating constitutional protections for online expression.
NetChoice Responds to the Ruling
NetChoice expressed disappointment with the appeals court’s decision and said it was reviewing its options.
“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 representing NetChoice.
The Florida attorney general’s office did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment.
What Happens Next?
The lawsuit will return to federal court in Tallahassee following the appeals court ruling. Further proceedings will determine how the legal challenge develops and whether additional arguments against the law affect its future enforcement.
For now, the ruling represents a significant procedural development in Florida’s effort to restrict social media access for children. It also adds to the broader legal debate over state efforts to regulate technology platforms and protect young users.
The outcome of the case could have implications for similar legislation in other states, particularly where lawmakers are weighing child-safety concerns against First Amendment protections. However, the appeals court’s decision applies to the legal dispute before it and does not resolve every constitutional question surrounding social media restrictions for minors nationwide.
