New Florida Laws Take Effect, But Social Media Restrictions for Children Delayed

As 2025 begins, a new set of state laws has officially gone into effect in Florida. Among them is a highly anticipated measure restricting social media access for children under 16, a policy designed to address concerns about online safety and mental health. However, enforcement of the new restrictions will not begin immediately, leaving parents and children time to adjust to the changes.

Social Media Restrictions for Minors

The social media restrictions, passed as part of HB 3 during the 2024 legislative session, were a significant focus for lawmakers, particularly former House Speaker Paul Renner, R-Palm Coast. The law aims to curb the negative effects of social media on children by:

•Prohibiting children under 14 from opening accounts on certain platforms.

•Allowing children aged 14 and 15 to create accounts only with parental consent.

Renner argued that social media companies have deliberately created addictive platforms that contribute to mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression, and can expose minors to risks, including predatory behavior.

Rationale Behind the Law

Lawmakers supporting the bill pointed to studies linking excessive social media use to mental health challenges among young users. The restrictions are intended to give parents more control over their children’s online presence and limit exposure to harmful content.

“We must protect our children from the dangers of unchecked access to social media,” Renner stated during the legislative debate. “This law gives parents the tools they need to safeguard their kids’ mental health and well-being.”

Implementation Timeline

While HB 3 officially took effect on January 1, 2025, enforcement measures and guidelines for parents and social media companies are still being finalized. The delay allows families and platforms time to comply with the new requirements.

Other Laws in Effect

HB 3 was among 299 bills signed into law during the 2024 session. Most took effect in July, but a handful, including the social media restrictions, were set to begin in the new year.

As the state prepares for the full implementation of HB 3, Floridians are watching closely to see how the social media landscape evolves and whether the new restrictions will meet their intended goals of protecting young users.