Florida's Social Media Law for Minors: What Parents Need to Know
Florida’s new social media restrictions for minors are now in effect, and parents across the state are navigating what this means for their families. Whether you’re raising children together or co-parenting after separation, understanding this law helps you make informed decisions about your children’s online safety.
What the Law Requires
House Bill 3, signed by Governor DeSantis in March 2024, took effect January 1, 2025. The law establishes two key restrictions:
Children Under 14 cannot have their own social media accounts. Platforms must take reasonable steps to prevent account creation for this age group.
14 and 15-Year-Olds can have accounts only with explicit parental or guardian consent. Without documented approval, these accounts must also be restricted.
Social media companies have 90 days to delete accounts that violate these provisions. Platforms that knowingly fail to comply face penalties of up to $50,000 per violation under Florida’s Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act.
Which Platforms Are Affected
The law doesn’t name specific companies but instead targets platforms with certain features—particularly those using infinite scroll, autoplay, and other design elements linked to addictive behavior in young users. Based on these criteria, affected platforms likely include Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube.
Legal Challenges and Current Status
After initial legal challenges blocked enforcement, a federal appeals court ruling in November 2025 allowed Florida to proceed with the law. Attorney General James Uthmeier has stated his office will “aggressively enforce” these requirements.
The law faces ongoing litigation, but for now, it stands as enforceable Florida law.
Implications for Co-Parenting Situations
For separated or divorced parents, this law adds another dimension to co-parenting decisions. Consider these practical issues:
Consent Authority becomes relevant when your child turns 14. Who provides the required parental consent for social media accounts? Your parenting plan’s provisions about major decisions—or lack thereof—may affect this.
Consistency Between Homes matters for enforcement. If one parent permits social media access while the other doesn’t, children may simply use devices at the permissive home. Clear communication between co-parents helps avoid undermining each other’s rules.
Existing Accounts for children under 14 may need to be addressed. If your child already has accounts, both parents should discuss how to handle the transition.
What Parents Should Do
Review your child’s current social media presence and age. If they’re under 14, accounts on covered platforms technically shouldn’t exist. For teens 14-15, ensure proper consent documentation exists.
If you share custody, communicate with your co-parent about your approach. Disagreements about social media access can become conflict points, but addressing them proactively often prevents escalation.
Document your position on social media access. If this becomes a custody issue, having clear records of your reasoning and communication helps demonstrate your focus on your child’s wellbeing.
When Legal Help Makes Sense
Social media disputes rarely exist in isolation. If you’re already experiencing conflict with your co-parent, disagreements about technology use may reflect deeper issues about parenting decisions and communication.
If your parenting plan doesn’t clearly address who makes decisions about social media—or if you’re facing modification of an existing plan—consulting with a family law attorney can help you understand your options.