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U.S. judge dismisses lawsuit against social media restrictions for minors

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floridaphoenix.com – Jay Waagmeester – 2025-03-24 15:14:00

by Jay Waagmeester, Florida Phoenix
March 24, 2025

The Florida law barring social media companies for using addictive features toward minors has survived a court challenge from some of the largest tech companies. 

Senior U.S. District Judge Mark Walker in Tallahassee dismissed a challenge against the state’s law barring Floridians younger than 14 from using social media apps with addictive features filed by industry organizations NetChoice and Computer & Communications Industry Association representing companies including Google, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and YouTube.

Social media companies face hurdle in challenging state’s ban against minors

The dismissal reiterated Walker’s preliminary injunction denial earlier this month. Walker concluded that the social media companies have not proven they would be affected under the law, which requires parental consent for 14- and 15-year olds to use apps with addictive features. 

The state argued Florida’s law is “materially different” from other states’ social media bans, given that it does not outlaw these services but rather features such as infinite scrolling and push notifications for minors. 

“Because this law does not regulate ‘social media’ platforms generally, but instead limits its coverage to those platforms that meet each of four specific criteria, this court cannot reasonably infer that a particular platform is likely covered by the law without some factual allegations regarding each of those criteria,” Walker wrote, dismissing the case without prejudice.

NetChoice and CCIA have until Monday, March 31, to amend their complaint.

“Because this court finds that plaintiffs have not plausibly alleged standing, it need not consider defendant’s other arguments for dismissing the complaint,” Walker wrote.

In his March 13 denial of the preliminary injunction, Walker said the only evidence the tech associations brought was “conclusory assertions in each of the four declarations attached to their motion for a preliminary injunction that the declarant ‘understand[s]’ or ‘believes’ that one of their members ‘may be’ or ‘appears to be’ covered by the law.”

Earlier this month, NetChoice said it would continue to fight despite not receiving the preliminary injunction. Monday, a NetChoice spokesperson told the Phoenix it does not have “an update on next steps at this time.”

The attorney general’s office did not respond to a request for comment.

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Delray Beach leaders fight for rainbow street mural during Florida hearing in Orange County

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www.clickorlando.com – Catherine Silver – 2025-09-02 15:47:00

SUMMARY: Delray Beach city leaders traveled nearly 200 miles to a Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) hearing regarding the state’s request to remove a rainbow pride mural at Northeast Second Avenue and First Street. The mural commemorates the Pulse nightclub shooting anniversary and was painted in 2021. No final decision was made; the city must submit supporting documents by September 5. City attorney Howard DuBosar argued the mural is street art, not a traffic control device, and cited local control under “Home Rule.” FDOT emphasized safety and state standards. Governor DeSantis supports removal of such messages from crosswalks. The mural remains for now pending the decision.

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Rudy Giuliani leaves the hospital after being injured in a car crash in New Hampshire

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www.news4jax.com – Carolyn Thompson, Associated Press – 2025-09-02 10:32:00

SUMMARY: Rudy Giuliani, 81, was released from the hospital after a car accident in New Hampshire where the vehicle he was in was struck from behind on Interstate 93. Giuliani sustained a fractured thoracic vertebra, multiple lacerations, contusions, and injuries to his left arm and leg. He and the driver, spokesman Ted Goodman, were helping a woman who reported a domestic violence incident when the crash occurred. Both suffered non-life-threatening injuries. The crash’s cause is under investigation, with no charges filed. Giuliani, known as “America’s mayor” for his 9/11 leadership, later served as Trump’s personal attorney, involved in controversial election fraud claims.

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Polls to open in Florida Senate, House special elections. How to find out if you should be voting

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www.clickorlando.com – Christie Zizo, Emily McLeod – 2025-09-02 04:00:00

SUMMARY: Election Day in west Orange County, Florida, on Tuesday features special elections to fill two Florida Legislature vacancies in Senate District 15 and House District 40. Senate District 15 includes northwest Orange County areas like Winter Garden and College Park. The seat was vacated by the late Sen. Geraldine Thompson. Democratic State Rep. Bracy Davis faces Republican Willie J. Montague for the Senate seat. In House District 40, RaShon Young, Davis’ former chief of staff, won the Democratic primary and will compete against Republican Tuan Le and write-in Chris Hall in the Sept. 2 general election. Polls open 7 a.m.–7 p.m.; vote-by-mail ballots are due by 7 p.m.

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