ST. LUCIE COUNTY — Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier filed a civil lawsuit against TikTok on Monday. The lawsuit alleges that TikTok violated Florida law H.B. 3 by allowing users under 14 to create social media accounts and seeks a court order requiring TikTok to comply with state law and requests financial damages.

H.B. 3 requires users aged 15 and 16 to obtain parental permission before opening social media accounts. The lawsuit claims that TikTok misrepresented the frequency of mature platform content, including material related to drugs, nudity, alcohol, and profanity. It argues the platform's content warrants an age rating above 16 or 18 rather than an over-13 rating.

Uthmeier stated in a written statement, "TikTok knowingly deceives parents and allows children to be exposed to harmful and inappropriate content in direct violation of Florida law." He said at a press conference, "It’s designed to keep kids stuck on those screens for hours." He also stated, "Our evidence suggests that so many kids are on TikTok for upwards of six, seven, eight or more hours a day. We are going to get our kids their lives back."

A TikTok spokesperson stated in a written statement, "TikTok is built with safety at its core." The spokesperson added, "We are evaluating the state’s complaint and are prepared to defend our strong record on minor safety." TikTok informed Florida users under 14 that their accounts will be suspended and is updating its platform to comply with state law.

Attorneys general from more than 25 states have filed lawsuits against TikTok. These lawsuits allege that the platform is designed to be addictive and negatively impacts youth mental health.