FL Companion Chatbot Act
Florida Interactions with Artificial Intelligence Act
Regulates companion AI chatbots with emphasis on self-harm prevention and crisis intervention. Requires suicide/self-harm detection protocols, 988 crisis referrals, prohibition on chatbots discussing self-harm with users, and annual reporting on crisis interventions. Includes minor-specific protections including AI disclosure, break reminders, and prohibition on sexually explicit content.
Jurisdiction
Florida
Enacted
Pending
Effective
Jul 1, 2026
Enforcement
Florida Attorney General / Department of Legal Affairs
Filed Dec 4, 2025 by Rep. Hunschofsky. In committee.
Florida Senate - HB 659Why It Matters
First US state bill to mandate specific crisis intervention protocols for companion AI chatbots, including evidence-based suicide/self-harm detection, 988 crisis referrals, and annual reporting requirements. Sets precedent for state-level regulation of AI mental health safety.
Recent Developments
Filed December 2025. One of three Florida companion chatbot bills this session (along with SB 482 and SB 1344). Most focused on crisis intervention requirements.
At a Glance
Applies to
Harms addressed
Who Must Comply
- Companion AI chatbot operators
- AI systems designed for ongoing human-like social interaction
Obligations fall on:
Safety Provisions
- Protocol for detecting and responding to suicidal ideation required
- Companion chatbots prohibited from discussing suicide or self-harm with users
- Must direct users expressing suicidal thoughts to 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
- Suicidal ideation must be measured using evidence-based methods
- Protocol must be published on platform
- Prominent disclosure that chatbot is AI, not human
- Warning that chatbot may be unsuitable for some minors
- For minors: explicit AI disclosure, 3-hour break reminders, no sexually explicit content
Exemptions
Customer Service Bots
Customer-service bots excluded
- • Transactional purpose only
Productivity Tools
Productivity tools excluded
- • Not designed for social interaction
Limited Video Game Characters
Limited video-game characters excluded
- • Limited interaction scope
Voice Assistants
Standard voice-activated assistants excluded
- • Not designed for ongoing social relationship
Compliance & Enforcement
Key Dates
Jul 1, 2026
All provisions take effect
Jul 1, 2027
First annual 988 referral reports due to Department of Legal Affairs
Penalties
Penalties pending regulatory determination
View on map
Florida
Focus Areas
Compliance Help
Must implement evidence-based suicide/self-harm detection, prohibit chatbot from discussing self-harm, and direct at-risk users to 988. Annual reporting on 988 referrals and prevention systems required.
See how NOPE helpsCite This
APA
Florida. (2026). Florida Interactions with Artificial Intelligence Act.
Related Regulations
FL AI Bill of Rights
Establishes an 'AI Bill of Rights' for Floridians including the right to know if communicating with AI, parental controls over minors' AI chatbot access, prohibition on selling user data, disclosure requirements for AI-generated political ads, and protections against unauthorized use of name/image/likeness by AI.
CA SB243
First US law specifically regulating companion chatbots. Uses capabilities-based definition (not intent-based). Requires evidence-based suicide detection, crisis referrals, and published protocols. Two-tier regime: baseline duties for all users, enhanced protections for known minors. Private right of action with $1,000 per violation.
NY GBL Art. 47
Requires AI companion chatbot operators to implement protocols addressing suicidal ideation and self-harm, plus periodic disclosures and reminders to users. Uses three-part CONJUNCTIVE definition (all three criteria must be met). No private right of action—AG enforcement only.
Utah AI Mental Health Act
Consumer protection requirements for mental health chatbots including disclosure obligations and safeguards. Specifically targets AI applications marketed for mental health support.
FL Companion AI Age Verification
Standalone bill requiring age verification for ALL users (adults and minors) before accessing companion AI chatbots. Requires user account creation, confidential age verification, notifications that user is interacting with AI, and specific actions when user is determined to be a minor including potential access blocking.
CA AI Child Safety Ballot
Comprehensive child AI safety ballot initiative by Common Sense Media. Expands companion chatbot definitions, raises age threshold for data sale consent, prohibits certain AI products for children, establishes new state regulatory structure. Allows state and private lawsuits, requires AI literacy in curriculum, mandates school device bans during instruction, creates children's AI safety fund.
Last updated February 17, 2026. Verify against primary sources before relying on this information.