WHAT THIS BILL REGULATES · 5 REQUIREMENT TYPES
How Is This Bill Enforced
Verbatim statutory text on the left; plain-language analysis and a per-section checklist on the right. Numbered markers cross-link to the matching checklist row.
(1)(a) "AI-generatedAI-generated"AI-generated" means any image, video, or audio that is generated or modified by artificial intelligence which may portray realistic human likenesses or depictions.Fla. Stat. § 501.172(1)(a)" means any image, video, or audio that is generated or modified by artificial intelligence which may portray realistic human likenesses or depictions.
(1)(b) "Companion chatbotCompanion chatbot"Companion chatbot" means an artificial intelligence system with a natural language interface that provides adaptive, human-like responses to user inputs and is capable of meeting a user's social needs, including by exhibiting anthropomorphic features and being able to sustain a relationship across multiple interactions. The term does not include: 1. A bot used only for customer service, business operational purposes, or productivity and analysis related to source information, internal research, or technical assistance; 2. A bot that is a feature of a video game and is limited to replies related to the video game and that cannot discuss topics related to mental health, self-harm, sexually explicit conduct, or maintain a dialogue on other topics unrelated to the video game; or 3. A stand-alone consumer electronic device that functions as a speaker and voice command interface, acts as a voice-activated virtual assistant, and does not sustain a relationship across multiple interactions or generate outputs that are likely to elicit emotional responses in the user.Fla. Stat. § 501.172(1)(b)" means an artificial intelligence system with a natural language interface that provides adaptive, human-like responses to user inputs and is capable of meeting a user's social needs, including by exhibiting anthropomorphic features and being able to sustain a relationship across multiple interactions. The term does not include: 1. A bot used only for customer service, business operational purposes, or productivity and analysis related to source information, internal research, or technical assistance; 2. A bot that is a feature of a video game and is limited to replies related to the video game and that cannot discuss topics related to mental health, self-harm, sexually explicit conductSexually explicit conduct"Sexually explicit conduct" means actual or simulated sexual intercourse, bestiality, masturbation, sadistic or masochistic abuse, or lascivious exhibition of the genitals or pubic area.Fla. Stat. § 501.172(1)(d), or maintain a dialogue on other topics unrelated to the video game; or 3. A stand-alone consumer electronic device that functions as a speaker and voice command interface, acts as a voice-activated virtual assistant, and does not sustain a relationship across multiple interactions or generate outputs that are likely to elicit emotional responses in the user.
(1)(c) "OperatorOperator"Operator" means a person who makes a companion chatbot platform available to a user in this state.Fla. Stat. § 501.172(1)(c)" means a person who makes a companion chatbotCompanion chatbot"Companion chatbot" means an artificial intelligence system with a natural language interface that provides adaptive, human-like responses to user inputs and is capable of meeting a user's social needs, including by exhibiting anthropomorphic features and being able to sustain a relationship across multiple interactions. The term does not include: 1. A bot used only for customer service, business operational purposes, or productivity and analysis related to source information, internal research, or technical assistance; 2. A bot that is a feature of a video game and is limited to replies related to the video game and that cannot discuss topics related to mental health, self-harm, sexually explicit conduct, or maintain a dialogue on other topics unrelated to the video game; or 3. A stand-alone consumer electronic device that functions as a speaker and voice command interface, acts as a voice-activated virtual assistant, and does not sustain a relationship across multiple interactions or generate outputs that are likely to elicit emotional responses in the user.Fla. Stat. § 501.172(1)(b) platform available to a user in this state.
(1)(d) "Sexually explicit conductSexually explicit conduct"Sexually explicit conduct" means actual or simulated sexual intercourse, bestiality, masturbation, sadistic or masochistic abuse, or lascivious exhibition of the genitals or pubic area.Fla. Stat. § 501.172(1)(d)" means actual or simulated sexual intercourse, bestiality, masturbation, sadistic or masochistic abuse, or lascivious exhibition of the genitals or pubic area.
Subsection (1) establishes the four defined terms used throughout the section. The companion chatbot definition is functionally identical to California SB 243's — an adaptive, anthropomorphic AI system that sustains relationships across sessions — and includes the same three carve-outs for customer-service bots, in-game video-game bots, and stand-alone voice-assistant devices. Operator is the person who makes a companion chatbot platform available to users in Florida.
(2) 1 An operatorOperator"Operator" means a person who makes a companion chatbot platform available to a user in this state.Fla. Stat. § 501.172(1)(c) shall clearly and conspicuously display the following notice on any application, browser, or other format used to access companion chatbotsCompanion chatbot"Companion chatbot" means an artificial intelligence system with a natural language interface that provides adaptive, human-like responses to user inputs and is capable of meeting a user's social needs, including by exhibiting anthropomorphic features and being able to sustain a relationship across multiple interactions. The term does not include: 1. A bot used only for customer service, business operational purposes, or productivity and analysis related to source information, internal research, or technical assistance; 2. A bot that is a feature of a video game and is limited to replies related to the video game and that cannot discuss topics related to mental health, self-harm, sexually explicit conduct, or maintain a dialogue on other topics unrelated to the video game; or 3. A stand-alone consumer electronic device that functions as a speaker and voice command interface, acts as a voice-activated virtual assistant, and does not sustain a relationship across multiple interactions or generate outputs that are likely to elicit emotional responses in the user.Fla. Stat. § 501.172(1)(b) on the operatorOperator"Operator" means a person who makes a companion chatbot platform available to a user in this state.Fla. Stat. § 501.172(1)(c)'s platform: "Companion chatbotsCompanion chatbot"Companion chatbot" means an artificial intelligence system with a natural language interface that provides adaptive, human-like responses to user inputs and is capable of meeting a user's social needs, including by exhibiting anthropomorphic features and being able to sustain a relationship across multiple interactions. The term does not include: 1. A bot used only for customer service, business operational purposes, or productivity and analysis related to source information, internal research, or technical assistance; 2. A bot that is a feature of a video game and is limited to replies related to the video game and that cannot discuss topics related to mental health, self-harm, sexually explicit conduct, or maintain a dialogue on other topics unrelated to the video game; or 3. A stand-alone consumer electronic device that functions as a speaker and voice command interface, acts as a voice-activated virtual assistant, and does not sustain a relationship across multiple interactions or generate outputs that are likely to elicit emotional responses in the user.Fla. Stat. § 501.172(1)(b) are AI-generatedAI-generated"AI-generated" means any image, video, or audio that is generated or modified by artificial intelligence which may portray realistic human likenesses or depictions.Fla. Stat. § 501.172(1)(a) and not human. Companion chatbotsCompanion chatbot"Companion chatbot" means an artificial intelligence system with a natural language interface that provides adaptive, human-like responses to user inputs and is capable of meeting a user's social needs, including by exhibiting anthropomorphic features and being able to sustain a relationship across multiple interactions. The term does not include: 1. A bot used only for customer service, business operational purposes, or productivity and analysis related to source information, internal research, or technical assistance; 2. A bot that is a feature of a video game and is limited to replies related to the video game and that cannot discuss topics related to mental health, self-harm, sexually explicit conduct, or maintain a dialogue on other topics unrelated to the video game; or 3. A stand-alone consumer electronic device that functions as a speaker and voice command interface, acts as a voice-activated virtual assistant, and does not sustain a relationship across multiple interactions or generate outputs that are likely to elicit emotional responses in the user.Fla. Stat. § 501.172(1)(b) may not be suitable for some minors."
Subsection (2) requires operators to display a prescribed verbatim notice — stating that companion chatbots are AI-generated, not human, and may not be suitable for some minors — on any application, browser, or other format used to access companion chatbots on the platform. This is an unconditional disclosure requirement: it applies to every access point regardless of whether a reasonable person would be misled, and it prescribes exact notice language rather than leaving the form to the operator's discretion.
(3)(a)–(c) 2 An operatorOperator"Operator" means a person who makes a companion chatbot platform available to a user in this state.Fla. Stat. § 501.172(1)(c) shall prevent a companion chatbotCompanion chatbot"Companion chatbot" means an artificial intelligence system with a natural language interface that provides adaptive, human-like responses to user inputs and is capable of meeting a user's social needs, including by exhibiting anthropomorphic features and being able to sustain a relationship across multiple interactions. The term does not include: 1. A bot used only for customer service, business operational purposes, or productivity and analysis related to source information, internal research, or technical assistance; 2. A bot that is a feature of a video game and is limited to replies related to the video game and that cannot discuss topics related to mental health, self-harm, sexually explicit conduct, or maintain a dialogue on other topics unrelated to the video game; or 3. A stand-alone consumer electronic device that functions as a speaker and voice command interface, acts as a voice-activated virtual assistant, and does not sustain a relationship across multiple interactions or generate outputs that are likely to elicit emotional responses in the user.Fla. Stat. § 501.172(1)(b) on the platform from interacting with users unless the operatorOperator"Operator" means a person who makes a companion chatbot platform available to a user in this state.Fla. Stat. § 501.172(1)(c) maintains a protocol to prevent the production of suicidal ideation, suicide, or self-harm content. (b) At a minimum, the protocol must include a notification that refers the user to the 988 suicide and crisis lifeline call center if the user expresses suicidal ideation, or intent to commit suicide or to self-harm. (c) The protocol must include mechanisms to: 1. Detect, remove, and respond to expressions of suicidal ideation, or intent to commit suicide or to self-harm by users. 2. Prohibit a companion chatbotCompanion chatbot"Companion chatbot" means an artificial intelligence system with a natural language interface that provides adaptive, human-like responses to user inputs and is capable of meeting a user's social needs, including by exhibiting anthropomorphic features and being able to sustain a relationship across multiple interactions. The term does not include: 1. A bot used only for customer service, business operational purposes, or productivity and analysis related to source information, internal research, or technical assistance; 2. A bot that is a feature of a video game and is limited to replies related to the video game and that cannot discuss topics related to mental health, self-harm, sexually explicit conduct, or maintain a dialogue on other topics unrelated to the video game; or 3. A stand-alone consumer electronic device that functions as a speaker and voice command interface, acts as a voice-activated virtual assistant, and does not sustain a relationship across multiple interactions or generate outputs that are likely to elicit emotional responses in the user.Fla. Stat. § 501.172(1)(b) from discussing suicidal ideation, suicide, or self-harm with users. 3. Measure suicidal ideation by using evidence-based methods.
(3)(d) 3 The operatorOperator"Operator" means a person who makes a companion chatbot platform available to a user in this state.Fla. Stat. § 501.172(1)(c) shall publish the protocol on the platform.
Subsection (3) imposes a continuous operating prerequisite: operators may not allow a companion chatbot to interact with users unless the operator maintains a protocol to prevent the production of suicidal ideation, suicide, or self-harm content. The protocol must include, at minimum, a 988 crisis referral notification and mechanisms to detect, remove, and respond to expressions of suicidal ideation; prohibit companion chatbots from discussing suicide or self-harm; and measure suicidal ideation using evidence-based methods. The operator must also publish the protocol on the platform.
(4)(a) 4 An operatorOperator"Operator" means a person who makes a companion chatbot platform available to a user in this state.Fla. Stat. § 501.172(1)(c) must offer anonymous age verification and standard age verification pursuant to s. 501.1737 for user access to a companion chatbotCompanion chatbot"Companion chatbot" means an artificial intelligence system with a natural language interface that provides adaptive, human-like responses to user inputs and is capable of meeting a user's social needs, including by exhibiting anthropomorphic features and being able to sustain a relationship across multiple interactions. The term does not include: 1. A bot used only for customer service, business operational purposes, or productivity and analysis related to source information, internal research, or technical assistance; 2. A bot that is a feature of a video game and is limited to replies related to the video game and that cannot discuss topics related to mental health, self-harm, sexually explicit conduct, or maintain a dialogue on other topics unrelated to the video game; or 3. A stand-alone consumer electronic device that functions as a speaker and voice command interface, acts as a voice-activated virtual assistant, and does not sustain a relationship across multiple interactions or generate outputs that are likely to elicit emotional responses in the user.Fla. Stat. § 501.172(1)(b) on the platform.
(4)(b)(1)–(2) 5 For a user the operatorOperator"Operator" means a person who makes a companion chatbot platform available to a user in this state.Fla. Stat. § 501.172(1)(c) knows is a minor, the operatorOperator"Operator" means a person who makes a companion chatbot platform available to a user in this state.Fla. Stat. § 501.172(1)(c) shall do all of the following: 1. Disclose to the user that he or she is interacting with artificial intelligence. 2. Provide a clear and conspicuous default notification at least every 3 hours for continuing companion chatbotCompanion chatbot"Companion chatbot" means an artificial intelligence system with a natural language interface that provides adaptive, human-like responses to user inputs and is capable of meeting a user's social needs, including by exhibiting anthropomorphic features and being able to sustain a relationship across multiple interactions. The term does not include: 1. A bot used only for customer service, business operational purposes, or productivity and analysis related to source information, internal research, or technical assistance; 2. A bot that is a feature of a video game and is limited to replies related to the video game and that cannot discuss topics related to mental health, self-harm, sexually explicit conduct, or maintain a dialogue on other topics unrelated to the video game; or 3. A stand-alone consumer electronic device that functions as a speaker and voice command interface, acts as a voice-activated virtual assistant, and does not sustain a relationship across multiple interactions or generate outputs that are likely to elicit emotional responses in the user.Fla. Stat. § 501.172(1)(b) interactions reminding the user to take a break from the interaction and that the companion chatbotCompanion chatbot"Companion chatbot" means an artificial intelligence system with a natural language interface that provides adaptive, human-like responses to user inputs and is capable of meeting a user's social needs, including by exhibiting anthropomorphic features and being able to sustain a relationship across multiple interactions. The term does not include: 1. A bot used only for customer service, business operational purposes, or productivity and analysis related to source information, internal research, or technical assistance; 2. A bot that is a feature of a video game and is limited to replies related to the video game and that cannot discuss topics related to mental health, self-harm, sexually explicit conduct, or maintain a dialogue on other topics unrelated to the video game; or 3. A stand-alone consumer electronic device that functions as a speaker and voice command interface, acts as a voice-activated virtual assistant, and does not sustain a relationship across multiple interactions or generate outputs that are likely to elicit emotional responses in the user.Fla. Stat. § 501.172(1)(b) is AI-generatedAI-generated"AI-generated" means any image, video, or audio that is generated or modified by artificial intelligence which may portray realistic human likenesses or depictions.Fla. Stat. § 501.172(1)(a) and not human.
(4)(b)(3) 6 Implement reasonable measures to prevent a companion chatbotCompanion chatbot"Companion chatbot" means an artificial intelligence system with a natural language interface that provides adaptive, human-like responses to user inputs and is capable of meeting a user's social needs, including by exhibiting anthropomorphic features and being able to sustain a relationship across multiple interactions. The term does not include: 1. A bot used only for customer service, business operational purposes, or productivity and analysis related to source information, internal research, or technical assistance; 2. A bot that is a feature of a video game and is limited to replies related to the video game and that cannot discuss topics related to mental health, self-harm, sexually explicit conduct, or maintain a dialogue on other topics unrelated to the video game; or 3. A stand-alone consumer electronic device that functions as a speaker and voice command interface, acts as a voice-activated virtual assistant, and does not sustain a relationship across multiple interactions or generate outputs that are likely to elicit emotional responses in the user.Fla. Stat. § 501.172(1)(b) from producing visual material of sexually explicit conductSexually explicit conduct"Sexually explicit conduct" means actual or simulated sexual intercourse, bestiality, masturbation, sadistic or masochistic abuse, or lascivious exhibition of the genitals or pubic area.Fla. Stat. § 501.172(1)(d) or directly stating that the user should engage in sexually explicit conductSexually explicit conduct"Sexually explicit conduct" means actual or simulated sexual intercourse, bestiality, masturbation, sadistic or masochistic abuse, or lascivious exhibition of the genitals or pubic area.Fla. Stat. § 501.172(1)(d).
Subsection (4) requires operators to offer both anonymous and standard age verification pursuant to existing Florida law (s. 501.1737) for user access to companion chatbots. For users the operator knows to be minors, the operator must unconditionally disclose AI nature, provide a default take-a-break reminder at least every three hours, and implement reasonable measures to prevent companion chatbots from producing visual material of sexually explicit conduct or directly soliciting users to engage in sexually explicit conduct.
(5)(a)(1)–(3) 7 Beginning July 1, 2027, each operatorOperator"Operator" means a person who makes a companion chatbot platform available to a user in this state.Fla. Stat. § 501.172(1)(c) shall submit to the Department of Legal Affairs an annual report that includes all of the following: 1. The number of times in the preceding calendar year the operatorOperator"Operator" means a person who makes a companion chatbot platform available to a user in this state.Fla. Stat. § 501.172(1)(c) has issued a 988 suicide and crisis lifeline call center referral notification. 2. The protocol for detecting, removing, and responding to expressions of suicidal ideation, or intent to commit suicide or to self-harm by users. 3. The protocol for prohibiting a companion chatbotCompanion chatbot"Companion chatbot" means an artificial intelligence system with a natural language interface that provides adaptive, human-like responses to user inputs and is capable of meeting a user's social needs, including by exhibiting anthropomorphic features and being able to sustain a relationship across multiple interactions. The term does not include: 1. A bot used only for customer service, business operational purposes, or productivity and analysis related to source information, internal research, or technical assistance; 2. A bot that is a feature of a video game and is limited to replies related to the video game and that cannot discuss topics related to mental health, self-harm, sexually explicit conduct, or maintain a dialogue on other topics unrelated to the video game; or 3. A stand-alone consumer electronic device that functions as a speaker and voice command interface, acts as a voice-activated virtual assistant, and does not sustain a relationship across multiple interactions or generate outputs that are likely to elicit emotional responses in the user.Fla. Stat. § 501.172(1)(b) from discussing suicidal ideation, suicide, or self-harm with users.
(5)(b) 7 The report may not include any identifiers or personal information about users.
Subsection (5) requires each operator, beginning July 1, 2027, to submit an annual report to the Department of Legal Affairs disclosing the number of 988 crisis referral notifications issued, the protocol for detecting and responding to suicidal ideation, and the protocol for prohibiting companion chatbots from discussing suicide or self-harm. Reports may not include user identifiers or personal information.
(6) A violation of this section constitutes an unfair or deceptive act or practice as specified in s. 501.204 and shall be enforced by civil action by the Attorney General. The Department of Legal Affairs must notify the operator of any suspected violation and allow the operatorOperator"Operator" means a person who makes a companion chatbot platform available to a user in this state.Fla. Stat. § 501.172(1)(c) 30 calendar days to cure the alleged violation before initiating enforcement action. This section does not create a private right of action.
Subsection (6) designates violations of this section as unfair or deceptive trade practices under Fla. Stat. § 501.204 and provides that enforcement is by civil action by the Attorney General. The Department of Legal Affairs must notify the operator and provide a 30-day cure period before initiating enforcement. The section expressly does not create a private right of action.
(7) This section does not relieve an operatorOperator"Operator" means a person who makes a companion chatbot platform available to a user in this state.Fla. Stat. § 501.172(1)(c) from any duties, remedies, or obligations imposed by any other law.
Subsection (7) is a savings clause clarifying that the obligations imposed by this section do not relieve operators from duties, remedies, or obligations imposed by any other law.