Florida's attorney general has taken legal action against TikTok, alleging the social media platform breaches the state's child protection statute. Republican Attorney General James Uthmeier filed the complaint in St. Lucie County state court, asserting that TikTok knowingly circumvents restrictions preventing children younger than 14 from accessing the service and deceives parents about the extent of violent and sexual material minors encounter on the app.
The lawsuit targets ByteDance-owned TikTok's compliance with H.B. 3, legislation that came into force in January 2025. The statute mandates that social media firms prevent anyone under 14 from signing up, while requiring those aged 14 to 16 to obtain parental permission. Uthmeier contends TikTok has violated these requirements while prioritizing commercial interests over child welfare.
In response, TikTok's representatives stated the company has been cooperating with state authorities and has begun suspending accounts belonging to Florida users under 14. The platform indicated it continues to implement modifications aimed at adhering to Florida's legislative framework and highlighted its commitment to protecting young people online.
This enforcement action represents part of a broader pattern of state-level litigation. More than 25 state attorneys general nationwide have initiated proceedings against TikTok, predominantly centring on allegations that the platform's design mechanisms foster dependency in younger audiences and contribute to mental health difficulties. Additionally, the company has contended with separate lawsuits filed by individuals and educational institutions claiming social media platforms harm child wellbeing.
Floridian authorities previously pursued comparable action against Snapchat's operator, Snap, in 2025, charging the firm with deploying addictive features and permitting accounts for children aged 13 and under. Though a federal judge declared H.B. 3 unconstitutional, that decision has been temporarily suspended pending appellate review, enabling enforcement to proceed. TikTok has already resolved multiple cases outside trial, including settling with a Kentucky school district for $8 million and reaching agreement with a complainant before jury proceedings commenced.
