Index
Consumer ProtectionFlorida, USA

Florida Stop Social Media Censorship Act

Summary

Florida attempted to legally ban major social media companies (like Facebook and Twitter) from 'deplatforming' or banning political candidates in the state. *Note: The US Supreme Court largely blocked this law from taking effect.*

Rights & Rules

  • 01.
    The law attempted to make it illegal for a social media platform to permanently ban any recognized political candidate in Florida.
  • 02.
    Platforms were required to provide a detailed, specific explanation every time they removed a user's post or restricted their visibility ('shadowbanning').
  • 03.
    Platforms were banned from changing their rules or Terms of Service more than once every 30 days.
  • 04.
    The US Supreme Court ruled in 2024 that the core parts of this law likely violate the First Amendment rights of the tech companies (who have the editorial right to curate their own platforms).

Penalties

  • 01.
    The blocked law originally threatened massive fines: up to $250,000 PER DAY for banning a candidate for statewide office, and $25,000 per day for local candidates.

Verified Citations

Florida Senate Bill 7072 (2021) / FS 106.072

Source
"A social media platform may not willfully deplatform a candidate for office... Upon finding of a violation... the Florida Elections Commission may assess fines..."