Judge rejects request to block Florida law aiming to keep children off social media

In a significant courtroom victory for Governor Ron DeSantis, a federal judge in Tallahassee denied a request on Friday to block Florida’s ban on social media use for young teens.

U.S. District Judge Mark Walker ruled against a request from a group of technology companies seeking a preliminary injunction that would have temporarily halted the state’s ban from taking effect.

In his 13-page ruling, Walker stated that the trade associations representing the tech companies failed to demonstrate which specific social media platforms—such as TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook, X, and others—would be impacted by Florida’s ban.

“Plaintiffs have not provided evidence showing that at least one of their members meets the injury-in-fact requirement,” Walker wrote.

The technology companies had argued that at least one social media platform would likely be covered by the law, and that compliance would require significant resources. However, Walker dismissed this as an insufficient argument.

The law, which is narrowly focused, applies only to social media platforms with addictive features, such as push notifications, where 10% or more of daily active users are under 16 and spend at least two hours per day on the app. If all these conditions aren’t met, the law doesn’t apply to the platform.

The law, which was scheduled to go into effect on January 1, would block users under 16 from using certain social media platforms but allow 14- and 15-year-olds to use them with parental consent. Companies that fail to comply could face fines of up to $50,000 per violation.

The attorney general’s office had agreed not to enforce the law until Walker made a ruling on the preliminary injunction request. It was unclear when the DeSantis administration would begin enforcing the ban. The governor had strongly supported the passage of the law through the Legislature last year.

The larger legal battle between the tech companies and the state continues in federal court in Tallahassee. Walker’s ruling on Friday was an interim decision focused solely on the preliminary injunction request.

“I am grateful that the courts have once again ruled in favor of Florida, and I am grateful also for the lives and the influence that social media will now not have on our children,” said Rep. Toby Overdorf, R-Palm City, one of the law’s sponsors. “I’m excited that Florida is entering a new chapter and being able to have freedom for our kids.”

During the February 28 courtroom arguments over the injunction, Walker, who was appointed by President Barack Obama in 2012, suggested that Florida may face significant challenges in proving that the ban does not infringe on the rights of young teens.

“I just think that there’s clear precedent across the country why these social media bans are against the First Amendment, and I have no doubt that the final outcome will reflect that,” said Rep. Anna Eskamani, D-Orlando. “There’s going to be a lot of confusion and chaos for all our families. It’s really important that everyone stays informed, understands what their options are, and does what they can to follow the law.”

The law would also require adults in Florida to verify their age using third-party systems when using social media accounts. However, there is no universally accepted method for age verification online.