New Florida social media bill gives parents more access

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - No more logging onto Snapchat, X, Instagram or TikTok. That is for children under 14 years old in Florida.

The state’s social media ban went into effect January 1st, 2025. It prohibits children under 14 from having a social media account.

Teenagers ages 15 and 16 can have social accounts, if they have their parents consent. HB 3 also puts the burden on social media company’s to enforce the policy. The different platforms have the task of removing existing accounts of underaged users, and can face fines of up to $50,000 per violation.

Representative Michelle Salzman Files Bill to Enhance Online Safety for Minors

On Wednesday, Pensacola Rep. Michelle Salzman filed House Bill 743, titled “Social Media Use by Minors,” which amends section 501.1736 of the Florida Statutes to strengthen protections for children and teenagers on social media platforms.

HB 743 keeps the age restrictions from HB 743 and adds new requirements that are specifically focused on surveillance and message encryption of under aged users.

Key provisions of HB 743 include:

1. Requiring social media platforms to disable end-to-end encryption or other data encryption features that restrict the accessibility of messages for accounts held by minors under 16 years old.

2. Enabling parents or legal guardians to view all messages sent and received by their minor children on these platforms.

3. Allowing law enforcement to access messages relevant to felony criminal investigations involving minors.

4. Maintaining existing requirements for social media platforms to terminate accounts of users under 14 years old and to obtain parental consent for users aged 14 and 15.

“This legislation is a crucial step in our ongoing efforts to protect Florida’s youth from the potential dangers lurking in the digital world,” stated Representative Salzman. “By addressing message encryption, we’re empowering parents and law enforcement with the tools they need to ensure our children’s safety online.”

The bill, if passed, will take effect on July 1, 2025.