11th Circuit Rebukes Bulk of DeSantis' Florida Social Media Law

11th Circuit Rebukes Bulk of DeSantis' Florida Social Media Law

ATLANTA — The 11th Circuit Court of Appeals issued a ruling today blocking the major provisions of Gov. Ron DeSantis’ controversial Florida’s social media law, which would have held social media platforms liable for moderation policies in the name of political, but not sexual, "free speech."

The court decided that it is “unconstitutional for Florida to bar social media companies from banning politicians, in a major victory for tech companies currently fighting another appeals court ruling that allowed a similar law in Texas to take effect,” the Washington Post reported.

The 11th Circuit’s opinion unequivocally established that platform moderation decisions are protected by the First Amendment.

The 67-page opinion also “harshly criticized arguments that social media platforms should be considered ‘common carriers’ subject to government regulation.”

The judges, however, also ruled that “some provisions could stand, including that people banned from the platforms should be able to access their data for 60 days and disclosure provisions, such as clear content standards,” the Post reported.

“We conclude that social media platforms’ content-moderation activities — permitting, removing, prioritizing and deprioritizing users and posts — constitute ‘speech’ within the meaning of the First Amendment,” the judges noted.

The 11th Circuit’s decision contrasts with the recent decision by the 5th Circuit upholding a similar Texas law. Both laws and the disparate decisions by the appeals courts will now be considered by the Supreme Court.

As XBIZ reported, the unusual 5th Circuit decision was communicated earlier this month without any explanation as to the court’s reasoning and with two of the judges remaining anonymous.

Main Image: Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R) signing the so-called "Free Speech" law on May 24, 2021

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

Sweden Bans Purchase of 'Remote' Sexual Services

The Riksdag, Sweden’s parliament, has approved a proposal to criminalize purchasing sexual services performed remotely by streamers and custom content creators.

Asa Akira to Deliver XBIZ Talk at Miami Conference

XBIZ is pleased to announce that decorated performer, Pornhub brand ambassador, and author Asa Akira is set to deliver an exclusive talk at XBIZ Miami.

JustFor.fans Launches 'Fentanyl Test Strip' Initiative

JustFor.fans (JFF) has launched a test strip initiative to combat the nationwide fentanyl crisis.

2025 XBIZ Miami Speaker Lineup Announced

XBIZ is pleased to announce the release of the full speaker lineup for XBIZ Miami, the latest edition of the adult industry’s premier summer conference, set to take place May 19-22 at the Nautilus Sonesta Miami Beach hotel in South Beach.

AV Bulletin: Arizona's About-Face, What New Laws Mean for Adult

Industry stakeholders and free speech advocates have anxiously been awaiting the Supreme Court’s decision in Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton, which could significantly impact state age verification laws around the United States. In the meantime, state legislatures continue to weigh and pass AV bills, the U.K. and the EU are moving ahead with their own AV mandates and strategies, and legal challenges continue to play out in U.S. courts — with some cases on hold pending the SCOTUS ruling in Paxton.

Million Billion Media Launches New Website

Management and PR agency Million Billion Media (MBM) has launched a new website.

'Neon Nightswim' Party Returns to XBIZ Miami

XBIZ is pleased to announce that the annual Neon Nightswim Pool Party will once again illuminate XBIZ Miami on Tuesday, May 20.

FSC Addresses UK Age Verification Guidelines

The Free Speech Coalition (FSC) has published an article offering guidance on the U.K.'s Online Safety Act and the various guidelines put forward by the country's telecommunications regulator Ofcom.The article follows:

European Commission Posts AV Guidelines, Seeks Feedback

The European Commission has made public its draft guidelines on protecting minors online under the Digital Services Act, including age verification requirements covering adult sites and platforms.

'White-Hot' Party Set to Kick Off XBIZ Miami

XBIZ is pleased to announce that the annual White-Hot Party, the official opening bash of XBIZ Miami, is set for Monday, May 19, at Mynt Lounge in South Beach.

Show More