By SNN Newsroom | October 15, 2026
A federal appeals court has cleared the way for Florida to enforce a law limiting social-media accounts for children under 16, reversing a preliminary injunction without ending the underlying First Amendment lawsuit.
In a 59-page opinion issued October 14, a three-judge panel of the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals vacated a district court order that had blocked enforcement of House Bill 3. The court concluded that the law’s regulation of specified platform features and access was content-neutral and likely survived the applicable constitutional scrutiny.
Florida’s law requires covered platforms to prevent children younger than 14 from opening accounts and requires parental consent for account holders ages 14 and 15. It applies to platforms meeting statutory definitions tied to features and usage. Parents and platform operators should consult the statute and current state guidance for specific requirements rather than assuming it applies to every website or communication service.
Industry groups NetChoice and the Computer & Communications Industry Association challenged the law, arguing that it restricts minors’ and adults’ rights to communicate and access protected speech. In statements after the ruling, the groups said they disagreed and were evaluating legal options. Florida officials argue that the restrictions address risks they associate with compulsive social-media use by children.
Procedural status: The appellate court vacated a preliminary injunction, allowing enforcement as the case returns to the trial court. It did not issue a final judgment disposing of every claim. Further litigation or appeals could change the legal position. The opinion also addressed related procedural issues in the litigation.
The decision has immediate implications for families, platforms and state regulators, though questions remain about compliance methods, privacy protections for age checks, and future court proceedings.
Primary sources: 11th Circuit opinion, CCIA and NetChoice v. Uthmeier, No. 25-11881 (Oct. 14, 2026); CCIA statement; NetChoice statement. Additional reporting: Reuters.
