Florida's attorney general James Uthmeier filed a lawsuit against TikTok in state court in St. Lucie County on Monday, claiming the video platform violates a state statute prohibiting social media companies from allowing children under age 14 to establish accounts. The Republican official also accuses the ByteDance-owned platform of misrepresenting the extent of violent and sexual material accessible to young users.
"TikTok knowingly deceives parents and allows children to be exposed to harmful and inappropriate content in direct violation of Florida law," Uthmeier stated in a press release. "We have zero tolerance for companies that prioritize profit over children's safety." The complaint requests that a court compel TikTok to modify its operations to comply with Florida's requirements and award financial restitution to the state.
TikTok responded through a company representative, confirming that it has been collaborating with the state's office and has begun suspending accounts belonging to Florida users below age 14. The platform is proceeding with modifications designed to align with the legislation, the spokesperson noted, while emphasizing the company's commitment to safeguarding minors on its service.
The lawsuit comes as TikTok faces enforcement actions from more than 25 state attorneys general nationally, many of which allege the platform's design deliberately encourages addiction among young people, thereby contributing to a youth mental health crisis. Most such cases rely on consumer protection statutes.
Florida's action references H.B. 3, legislation that took effect in January 2025 requiring social media platforms to prohibit users under 14 entirely and mandate parental consent for users aged 14 to 15. A federal judge previously declared the law unconstitutional, though that decision has been temporarily stayed, permitting Florida to enforce it during appellate proceedings.
In a separate 2025 action, Florida sued Snap over allegations that Snapchat uses addictive features and permits account creation by children aged 13 and younger. The state contended Snap's practices were "particularly egregious" given that Snapchat is marketed as appropriate for 13-year-olds despite enabling access to pornography and illegal transactions. Snap has challenged the constitutionality of the law under First Amendment protections.
