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Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signs bill that allows Florida citizens to sue big tech companies.

On Behalf of | May 26, 2021 | Firm News

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a bill on Monday that allows “any person to sue Big Tech companies like Twitter, Facebook and Amazon for up to $100,000 in damages” for “deplatforming.”

DeSantis wants to stop these companies from controlling their own platforms through things like removing certain accounts of Florida citizens, especially political candidates. Now, through this new law, Florida citizens will be able to sue these companies themselves. Also, Florida’s attorney will have general authority to sue under the state’s Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act.

The state of Florida will be able to fine large social media companies $250,000 a day if they remove an account of a statewide political candidate, and $25,000 a day if they remove an account of someone running for a local office. Additionally, the companies must provide a detailed explanation as to why an account was removed.

This new law is the first of its kind, according to DeSantis, and will take effect July 1st.

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– Richard S Johnson, P.A. and Associates & Allure Title and Escrow Company