FL S1344

Requires operators of companion AI chatbots (software simulating emotional interaction, friendship, or therapeutic communication) to implement age verification for all users, freezing existing accounts by July 1, 2026, until verified

Mandates that minor users have their accounts linked to a verified parental account and obtain parental consent before accessing the chatbot, with automatic blocking of sexually explicit content

Requires operators to display pop-up notifications at the start of each interaction and every 60 minutes reminding users they are not communicating with a human

Authorizes the Department of Legal Affairs to enforce violations as unfair and deceptive trade practices, with civil penalties up to $50,000 per violation plus attorney fees and court costs

Grants the department subpoena power for investigations, with penalties up to $5,000 per week for entities that fail to comply with subpoenas or destroy relevant evidence