FL S1426

Requires manufacturers of tablets and smartphones sold in Florida to include an enabled content filter blocking material harmful to minors upon device activation beginning January 1, 2024.

Filter must prevent access to harmful material across mobile data networks, wireless/wired internet, and manufacturer-owned applications, with password protection allowing adults and parents to disable filtering for specific content.

Manufacturers face civil penalties up to $5,000 per violation (capped at $50,000 aggregate) and potential license revocation, with exceptions for good faith efforts using commercially reasonable filters meeting industry standards.

Parents or legal guardians may sue manufacturers for violations and recover actual damages, liquidated damages of $50,000 per violation, punitive damages for knowing violations, and attorney fees.

Individuals other than parents/guardians who enable filter removal on a minor's device face civil liability and criminal penalties, including fines up to $5,000 for first offense and $50,000 for second offense, with second violations within one year constituting a first-degree misdemeanor.