Florida Isn’t Ending Age-of-Consent Laws, Here’s What the Legislature Actually Passed
Florida did not move to end enforcement of age-of-consent laws, despite claims circulating on social media.
Instead, lawmakers passed House Bill 3 in the 2024 legislative session, a law targeting how minors can access social media and digital content. Gov. Ron DeSantis signed the bill March 25, 2024, setting rules that ban children under 14 from becoming social media account holders and require parental consent for 14- and 15-year-olds.
HB 3 also includes provisions that require age verification for access to certain digital content deemed harmful to minors.
Opponents argued the law violates the First Amendment and filed a federal lawsuit. A federal appeals court recently lifted a temporary injunction, allowing Florida to begin enforcement while litigation plays out.
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None of this legislation repeals or halts enforcement of the state’s criminal age-of-consent laws, which remain part of Florida Statutes prohibiting sexual activity with minors under defined ages.
Critics say mischaracterizing the social media law fuels misinformation about broader youth protections in state law.
Lawmakers and courts will continue to grapple with the constitutional challenges to HB 3 in the months ahead.
Expect further rulings that could affect how — and whether — Florida enforces the social media restrictions.
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