Federal Judge Blocks Florida’s Social Media Ban for Minors Amid Ongoing Legal Challenge

Florida’s high-profile effort to restrict social media access for minors has hit a major legal roadblock.

On Tuesday, U.S. District Judge Mark Walker issued a preliminary injunction blocking state officials from enforcing the law while a lawsuit challenging its constitutionality moves forward. The law, signed by Governor Ron DeSantis in 2024, aimed to ban social media accounts for children under 14 and require parental consent for 14- and 15-year-olds.

The ruling comes after lawsuits were filed by tech industry groups, including NetChoice and the Computer & Communications Industry Association. Judge Walker sided with the industry groups, stating that the law likely violates the First Amendment by limiting young people's rights to access and engage in speech online.

In his decision, Walker acknowledged the legitimate concerns that parents, lawmakers, and experts have about the effects of social media on youth — including potential links to rising anxiety and depression — but emphasized that any restrictions must still respect constitutional protections.

"Even in the pursuit of admirable goals, the state cannot trample on core free speech rights," Walker wrote in his order.

While most of the law is blocked for now, one portion remains active: social media platforms must delete a minor’s account if requested by a parent or guardian.

Supporters of the law argue that stricter regulations are necessary to protect kids from harmful content, addiction, and mental health issues tied to heavy social media use. Critics, however, warn that broad bans like Florida’s could set dangerous precedents for government control over online expression.

Florida officials have indicated they plan to appeal the ruling as the legal battle continues.

For now, teens in Florida can continue using social media as usual — but the debate over how far the state can go to regulate online platforms is far from over.