Florida Governor Ron DeSantis Vetoes Social Media Ban For Kids Under 16

TALLAHASSEE, Florida - Governor Ron DeSantis vetoed Florida House Bill 1 that would have banned children under the age of 16 from using social media.

In order to determine if a user was 16-years-old or older under H.B. 1, all users, including adults, would have had to divulge their identity for age verification purposes - a provision which DeSantis rejects.

The Governor also wants parents to have the final say to determine whether or not their children have access to social media.

"I have vetoed HB 1 because the Legislature is about to produce a different, superior bill," DeSantis tweeted on Friday.

"Protecting children from harms associated with social media is important, as is supporting parents’ rights and maintaining the ability of adults to engage in anonymous speech. 

I anticipate the new bill will recognize these priorities and will be signed into law soon."

I have vetoed HB 1 because the Legislature is about to produce a different, superior bill.

Protecting children from harms associated with social media is important, as is supporting parents’ rights and maintaining the ability of adults to engage in anonymous speech.

I…

— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) March 1, 2024

Florida House Speaker Paul Renner, who is the strongest proponent of prohibiting children's access to social media, is tailoring new legislation to address the Governor's concerns.

"We have all been united in our goal to keep children safe, and thanks to the intensely collaborative effort between the House, Senate, and our Governor, HB 3 is an even stronger product to protect our children against online harms," Renner tweeted a few hours after the Governor's tweet.

We have all been united in our goal to keep children safe, and thanks to the intensely collaborative effort between the House, Senate, and our Governor, HB 3 is an even stronger product to protect our children against online harms.

— Paul Renner (@Paul_Renner) March 1, 2024