House Bill 1503, known as the "Protect Our Children Act," aims to enhance protections for minors against harmful content accessed through electronic devices and strengthen the legal framework surrounding sexual offenses and the registration of sexual offenders in Florida. The bill mandates that manufacturers of tablets and smartphones include a filter that activates upon device activation to block harmful content for minors, with civil and criminal liabilities for noncompliance. It also increases penalties for adults who lure children under 12, reclassifying such offenses from misdemeanors to felonies, and introduces new definitions and prohibitions regarding inappropriate communication with minors, criminalizing solicitation for explicit images.

Additionally, the bill amends existing laws related to the registration and notification processes for sexual offenders, requiring individuals convicted of certain sexual offenses involving minors to register and clarifying definitions related to sexual offenses. It mandates specific markings on the driver licenses of sexual predators and offenders, outlines the conditions for their supervision, and emphasizes the importance of public safety through consistent monitoring and reporting of offenders. The provisions of this act are set to take effect on October 1, 2025, reinforcing the commitment to protect minors and enhance accountability for those who exploit them.

Statutes affected:
H 1503 Filed: 787.025, 943.0435, 944.606, 944.607