A federal appeals court has upheld a Florida law that bars children under 14 from creating their own social media accounts. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit issued the ruling Wednesday, Oct. 14, finding the law constitutional.
Gov. Ron DeSantis signed the bill in 2024. It targets apps that offer unlimited scrolling and use algorithms designed to keep users engaged. The law also adds restrictions for older teens: 15- and 16-year-olds must get parental permission before opening their own social media accounts.
The group challenging the law said it is considering its next steps, according to the report. No further details on a possible appeal were given.
For South Florida families, the decision means the age limits can remain in effect while the legal fight continues. Parents of children in Palm Beach, Broward and Miami-Dade counties would be affected by the rules as they stand.
