Florida Age Verification Law Faces Legal Challenge

Florida Age Verification Law Faces Legal Challenge

TALLAHASSEE, Florida — Tech industry trade groups NetChoice and the Computer & Communications Industry Association (CCIA) filed a lawsuit Monday challenging Florida’s HB 3, which includes a requirement for adult websites to verify the age of site visitors in the state.

Both groups have previously taken stands and participated in litigation against age verification legislation, aligning with Free Speech Coalition (FSC) and its allies on the free speech, privacy and security issues raised by such laws.

In a statement, CCIA noted that HB 3, which is set to take effect Jan. 1, 2025, “would restrict users’ access to lawful content that is protected by the First Amendment.” 

The suit, filed with the United States District Court for the Northern District of Florida, in the Tallahassee Division, argues that “As courts have repeatedly reaffirmed, requiring adults to verify their age before accessing speech significantly burdens First Amendment rights.”

Industry attorney Lawrence Walters, of the Florida-based Walters Law Group, told XBIZ on Tuesday, “Numerous options are widely available for parents to restrict access to content or applications that they believe are inappropriate for their children. These options exist at the network level, carrier level, browser level, and application level, and are far more effective to protect minors from exposure to inappropriate materials without violating constitutional rights.”

The suit also objects to provisions that restrict minors’ access to social media, arguing that those measures also violate First Amendment rights. Walters shed light on that aspect as well.

“Florida has taken it upon itself to decide that minors of a certain age may not use social media,” Walters explained. “The state has also determined that minors of other ages must obtain parental consent before accessing social media services. Denying minors the ability to access and engage in the marketplace of ideas on social media platforms is not the proper role of government and violates the First Amendment under established case law.”

As XBIZ reported in March, when the bill was passed by the Florida legislature, HB 3 is a much expanded version of a bill originally introduced by Rep. Chase Tramont, a politician and ordained clergyman who serves as pastor at Oceanway Church in New Smyrna Beach. Tramont's bill originally only targeted adult websites, but broader regulations about social media were added to it later.

When Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed the bill into law shortly thereafter, FSC condemned the measure as “deeply unconstitutional.”

According to the Tallahassee Democrat newspaper, the case has been assigned to Chief U.S. District Judge Mark Walker, an appointee of President Barack Obama.

A representative of Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody told the paper, “As a mother, Attorney General Moody will fight aggressively in court to ensure the ability to protect Florida children.”

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

2025 XBIZ Amsterdam Website Launches With Call for Speakers

XBIZ is pleased to announce that the website for its annual European conference, XBIZ Amsterdam, is now live.

NC Governor Vetoes Bill Targeting Adult, Could Face Override

North Carolina Governor Josh Stein today vetoed a bill imposing new regulations that adult industry observers have warned could push adult websites and platforms to ban most adult creators and content.

25,000 Sign Petition to Legalize Pornography in Ukraine

An OnlyFans model’s petition to decriminalize pornography in Ukraine has amassed the 25,000 signatures required for official consideration by President Volodymyr Zelensky.

WannaCollab Joins Pineapple Support as Supporter-Level Sponsor

WannaCollab has joined the ranks of over 70 adult businesses and organizations committing funds and resources to Pineapple Support.

FSC Unpacks SCOTUS Age Verification Ruling in Webinar

The Free Speech Coalition conducted a public webinar Tuesday to help adult industry stakeholders understand the Supreme Court’s recent decision in FSC v. Paxton, and its potential implications.

UK Lawmaker Calls for Appointment of 'Porn Minister'

Baroness Gabrielle Bertin, the Conservative member of Parliament who recently convened a new anti-pornography task force, is calling for the appointment of a “minister for porn,” according to British news outlet The Guardian.

FSC Toasts Jeffrey Douglas for 30 Years of Service

n the very same evening when the adult industry was hit hard by the Supreme Court ruling supporting Texas’ controversial age verification law, HB 1181, members of the Free Speech Coalition board, staff and supporters gathered to celebrate Jeffrey Douglas’ 30 years as board chair — a fitting reflection of his reputation as an eternal optimist.

TTS Opens UK Testing Location

Talent Testing Service (TTS) has opened a new U.K. location in Ware, Hertfordshire.

FSC: Age-Verification Laws Go Into Effect in South Dakota, Georgia, Wyoming on July 1

The Free Speech Coalition (FSC) has published a statement regarding new age verification laws set to go into effect tomorrow in South Dakota, Georgia, and Wyoming.

FSC Responds to Supreme Court Decision on Texas AV Law

The Free Speech Coalition (FSC) has released a statement responding to last week's Supreme Court decision on FSC v. Paxton, the Texas age verification law.

Show More