summary
Introduced
01/07/2026
01/07/2026
In Committee
01/16/2026
01/16/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
An act relating to companion artificial intelligence chatbots; creating s. 501.1739, F.S.; defining terms; requiring operators to require an individual seeking access to a companion AI chatbot to create a user account; requiring operators to meet specified requirements for existing and newly created companion AI chatbot user accounts; requiring operators to take certain actions if the age verification process determines that a user is a minor; requiring operators to protect the confidentiality of age verification information provided by a user; requiring operators to provide certain notifications to a user which indicate that the user is interacting with a companion AI chatbot; providing that violations of the act are deemed deceptive and unfair trade practices; authorizing the Department of Legal Affairs to bring an action against an operator upon a certain finding; providing applicability; authorizing the department to collect a civil penalty, reasonable attorney fees, and court costs; providing that age verification performed for an operator in violation of this section is an unfair and deceptive trade practice; providing construction; providing that certain operators are subject to the jurisdiction of state courts; authorizing the department to take certain investigative and compliance actions; providing a civil penalty for any entity or person who fails to comply with certain provisions and investigations; authorizing the department to adopt rules; providing an effective date.
AI Summary
This bill establishes regulations for "companion AI chatbots," which are defined as artificial intelligence programs designed to simulate interpersonal or emotional interaction, friendship, companionship, or therapeutic communication. Operators of these chatbots must require users to create an account and undergo age verification using standard or anonymous methods. For existing accounts, operators must disable them and require users to re-verify their age before restoring functionality, classifying them as either a minor or an adult. New accounts also require age verification. If a user is identified as a minor, their account must be linked to a verified parental account, and verifiable parental consent is required for the minor to use the chatbot. Minors will also be blocked from accessing chatbots that promote sexually explicit communication. Operators must protect the confidentiality of age verification information and provide users with pop-up notifications at the start of and periodically during interactions to inform them they are not talking to a human. Violations of these provisions are considered unfair and deceptive trade practices, allowing the Department of Legal Affairs to take action, impose civil penalties of up to $50,000 per violation, and recover attorney fees and court costs. The bill also grants the department investigative powers, including subpoena authority, and subjects operators to state court jurisdiction. The act takes effect on July 1, 2026.
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Introduced (on 01/22/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/1344 |
| BillText | https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/1344/BillText/Filed/HTML |
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