The Protect Our Children Act aims to enhance protections for minors against harmful online content and strengthen penalties for child exploitation offenses. Starting January 1, 2026, manufacturers of tablets and smartphones will be required to produce devices that automatically enable filters to block access to harmful material for minors. Noncompliance will result in civil and criminal liabilities for manufacturers, and individuals who disable these filters may also face penalties. The Attorney General will have the authority to enforce these provisions, including issuing subpoenas and seeking civil penalties. The bill also reclassifies offenses related to luring or enticing children under 12 from misdemeanors to felonies, introduces new definitions regarding inappropriate relationships, and outlines civil actions that parents can take against violators. Additionally, the bill amends existing laws to include new offenses related to harmful communication with minors, establishing a clear legal basis for prosecution. It introduces the statute number s. 827.12; for sexual offender registration and clarifies criteria for registration, including those designated as sexual predators in other jurisdictions. The bill mandates that courts document the ages of offenders and victims in qualifying cases and outlines the responsibilities of the Department of Law Enforcement in monitoring sexual offenders. It also emphasizes the importance of compliance with registration requirements and includes specific conditions for releasees who have committed offenses against minors. Overall, the legislation seeks to create a safer environment for children by imposing stricter regulations and penalties on those who exploit or endanger them.

Statutes affected:
S 1718 Filed: 787.025, 943.0435, 944.606, 944.607