FL Companion AI Age Verification
Florida Companion Artificial Intelligence Chatbots Act
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.
Jurisdiction
Florida
Enacted
Pending
Effective
Jul 1, 2026
Enforcement
Florida Attorney General / Department of Legal Affairs
Filed by Sen. Burton. Last action Jan 22, 2026. Referred to Commerce and Tourism, Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice, and Rules.
Florida Senate - SB 1344Why It Matters
Most stringent age verification requirement for companion AI - applies to all users, not just minors. Sets precedent for universal age-gating of companion chatbots. Anonymous verification requirement balances privacy with child safety.
Recent Developments
One of three Florida companion chatbot bills this session. Takes strictest approach by requiring age verification for ALL users, not just minors.
At a Glance
Applies to
Harms addressed
Who Must Comply
- Companion AI chatbot operators
Obligations fall on:
Safety Provisions
- Age verification required for all users before access
- User account creation required
- Anonymous age verification option must be offered
- Confidentiality of age verification data required
- Notification that user is interacting with AI chatbot
- Specific actions required when user is minor
- Power to block minor's access to companion chatbots
Compliance & Enforcement
Key Dates
Jul 1, 2026
All provisions take effect
Penalties
Penalties pending regulatory determination
View on map
Florida
Focus Areas
Compliance Help
Must implement age verification for all users with anonymous option. Must take specific actions when minor detected, potentially including access blocking.
See how NOPE helpsCite This
APA
Florida. (2026). Florida Companion Artificial Intelligence Chatbots 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.
FL Companion Chatbot 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.
VT AADC
Vermont design code structured to be more litigation-resistant: focuses on data processing harms rather than content-based restrictions. AG rulemaking authority begins July 2025.
NE AADC
Nebraska design code blending privacy-by-design with engagement constraints (feeds, notifications, time limits) aimed at reducing compulsive use.
OH K-12 AI Mandate
First-in-nation mandate requiring all Ohio K-12 public schools to adopt formal AI usage policies by July 1, 2026. Ohio Department of Education and Workforce released model policy on December 30, 2025 covering academic integrity, procurement/privacy, and anti-bullying. Districts can adopt state model or create their own aligned policy.
NY RAISE Act
Requires large AI developers of frontier models operating in New York to create safety protocols, report critical incidents within 72 hours, conduct annual reviews, and undergo independent audits. Creates dedicated DFS office funded by developer fees.
Last updated February 17, 2026. Verify against primary sources before relying on this information.