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FLORIDA - Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier has filed a lawsuit against Snap Inc., claiming the company is violating a new state law designed to limit social media access for children under 16.
The legal complaint, filed in Santa Rosa County, alleges that Snapchat is providing accounts to users under age 14 and failing to obtain parental consent for those aged 14 and 15, actions that allegedly breach House Bill 3, passed in 2024.
The law prohibits children under 14 from creating social media accounts and requires parental approval for teens aged 14 and 15.
Although the law does not name specific platforms, it applies to those that include addictive elements such as algorithms, content feeds, and disappearing messages.
The lawsuit asserts that Snapchat’s push notifications and disappearing content qualify it under the statute.
According to the filing, Snap allegedly continues to allow minors to join the app without proper age verification or parental consent, which the state argues amounts to deceptive trade practices under Florida law.
The complaint seeks penalties of up to $50,000 per violation and a court order to halt the company’s alleged noncompliance.
Snap Inc. has not publicly responded.
The lawsuit follows a federal case filed by tech industry groups challenging the constitutionality of the law, arguing it infringes on First Amendment rights.
A federal judge denied an injunction request in March, allowing Florida to begin enforcement.
Uthmeier has since indicated that more legal actions may be coming against other platforms believed to be in violation.