In a lawsuit filed Monday in state court in St. Lucie County, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier alleges that TikTok is violating a state statute that prohibits users under the age of 14 from creating accounts, while also requiring parental consent for users under 16.
The complaint further claims the platform misleads parents and regulators about the level of violent and sexual content accessible to minors on the app.
“TikTok knowingly deceives parents and allows children to be exposed to harmful and inappropriate content in direct violation of Florida law,” Uthmeier said in a statement. “We have zero tolerance for companies that prioritize profit over children’s safety.”
State seeks penalties and platform changes
Florida is asking the court to order TikTok—owned by Chinese tech company ByteDance—to implement compliance measures, in addition to awarding financial damages.
At the heart of the case is Florida’s social media law, known as H.B. 3, which took effect in January 2025. The law requires platforms to block users under 14 entirely and mandates parental approval for those under 16.
The state argues that TikTok has failed to fully enforce these restrictions and continues to allow underage users access to the platform.
TikTok denies violations, says safeguards are in place
TikTok has rejected the allegations, saying it has been actively working with Florida authorities to comply with the law and strengthen protections for younger users.
A company spokesperson said users under 14 in Florida are being notified that their accounts will be deactivated, and that additional platform adjustments are ongoing.
“We are evaluating the state’s complaint and are prepared to defend our strong record on minor safety,” the spokesperson said.
Part of wider legal pressure on social media firms
The lawsuit is the latest in a growing wave of legal challenges targeting TikTok and other major social media companies over their impact on children and teenagers.
More than 25 U.S. state attorneys general have filed similar actions, many alleging that platforms are intentionally designed to be addictive and contribute to youth mental health issues.
TikTok, along with companies like Meta Platforms and other tech giants, is also facing thousands of individual lawsuits and school district claims related to alleged harm caused by excessive use of social media among minors.
In a previous high-profile case, a Los Angeles jury found Meta and Google negligent in a lawsuit involving claims of teen mental health harm, while TikTok settled before trial in that matter.
Legal backdrop and constitutional debate
Florida’s enforcement push comes amid ongoing legal uncertainty. A federal judge previously blocked enforcement of the state’s social media restriction law, ruling it unconstitutional. However, that decision has been temporarily paused, allowing the state to continue enforcement while the appeal proceeds.
The legal battle over H.B. 3 also extends beyond TikTok. In 2025, Florida sued Snap Inc., the parent company of Snapchat, accusing it of failing to prevent underage account creation and exposing minors to harmful content.
Snap has challenged the law, arguing it violates First Amendment protections, and that case remains active in court.
Growing clash over youth access to social media
The dispute reflects a broader national debate over how far states can go in regulating children’s access to online platforms, and how much responsibility should fall on tech companies to police content and age verification.
For Florida, the lawsuit signals an aggressive enforcement stance. For TikTok, it adds to mounting legal and regulatory pressure in the United States as scrutiny over youth safety online continues to intensify.