A new law in Florida requires social media companies to explain their processes from censoring posts and provide resources to obtain legal action against these platforms. Governor Ron DeSantis signed the “Social Media Platforms” bill (Senate Bill 7072) last month. The law also prohibits the platforms from taking away the accounts of political candidates. The Department of Legal Affairs will be able to analyze accusations of term violations under the Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act.

Under Senate Bill 7072, technology companies will receive up to $250,000 per day for de-platforming a political candidate, while candidates not in statewide positions will cost a fine of $25,000 per day. 

This act in Florida seeks to protect businesses and consumers against unfair and deceptive business practices. Under the act, companies like Facebook must:

• Clarify laws around consumer protection, unfair, deceptive, and unconscionable trade practices, including unfair competition. 
• Protect enterprises and the public from those who are actively engaging in unfair, deceptive, and unconscionable trade practices, including unfair competition. 
• Make protection consistent with the already established policies of the federal law surrounding consumer protection.

Florida law protects those impacted from someone’s unfair, deceptive, and unconscionable actions, allowing them an order for damages, court costs, and attorney fees while forcing the unlawful party to stop these practices immediately.

Alvarez & Diaz-Silveira LLP, a corporate law firm in Miami, focuses on international and domestic M&A, finance, real estate, and corporate immigration. Should you have questions about corporate law or need an M&A attorney in Miami, please call us at 305.740.1940.