A federal appeals court decided today that Florida can enforce its law restricting teenagers from using certain social media platforms, even as legal battles over the measure’s constitutionality continue. The 11th Circuit Court of Appeals reversed and vacated a preliminary injunction that had previously aimed to block House Bill 3.A federal appeals court decided today that Florida can enforce its law restricting teenagers from using certain social media platforms, even as legal battles over the measure’s constitutionality continue.The 11th Circuit Court of Appeals reversed and vacated a preliminary injunction that had previously aimed to block House Bill 3. The ruling marks a substantive decision on the legality of that injunction, clearing the state to keep enforcing the rules while broader First Amendment arguments work their way through the court system.Florida lawmakers passed HB3 to restrict youth access to platforms featuring algorithmic feeds and addictive design features. The state has actively enforced the measure since November 2025, when the appeals court issued a temporary stay that paused the initial district court freeze.The Computer & Communications Industry Association and NetChoice, two major technology trade groups, challenged the statute. They argued their case before the 11th Circuit on March 9, contending that HB3 unconstitutionally cuts off online users from accessing lawful speech protected by the First Amendment.The three-judge appellate panel reviewed the injunction on its merits and concluded that HB3 is content-neutral. Because the judges viewed the statute as regulating platform mechanics rather than targeting specific viewpoints or speech topics, they subjected the state law to a more deferential standard of judicial review.Social Media (File)The court found that Florida established an important government interest in safeguarding minors and determined that the statutory limits do not burden substantially more speech than necessary to meet that goal.The current legal fight represents Florida’s second effort to regulate how young residents interact with online services. The U.S. Supreme Court blocked the state’s initial legislative attempt, sending the broader dispute back to lower courts for further examination.Industry representatives strongly criticized the appellate court’s decision.“This ruling is deeply concerning and risks altering First Amendment protections against government interference in online speech for users young and old alike,” said Matt Schruers, president and CEO of the Computer & Communications Industry Association. “It grants the government considerable power to manage how its citizens access information, based on Florida’s unsubstantiated claims about addiction. In the name of curbing overuse, the decision risks imposing identity authentication on Floridian internet users of all ages.”The ruling leaves the law in full effect across the state while the underlying First Amendment lawsuit proceeds.READ: Supreme Court Probes Legal Standing In Digital Privacy Dispute Involving ParamountPlease make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.Federal Appeals Court Clears Florida To Enforce Teen Social Media Restrictions
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