For Immediate Release: Friday, March 31, 2023

Contact: Office of Communications, Communications@MyFloridaCFO.com, 850.413.2842

CFO Patronis Issues Statement on TikTok Legislation Passing Florida House

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis issued a statement following the passage of HB 379 by Representative Brad Yeager that requires Florida school districts to prohibit and prevent students from accessing social media platforms through the use of internet access provided by each district. Further, the bill calls for in-school instruction on social media safety and how best it can be utilized in personal and professional life.

CFO Jimmy Patronis said, “TikTok is digital fentanyl and does not belong in our kids’ education. It fills their minds with rot and robs them of normal healthy social development. As the father of two boys, I understand how invasive these social media apps can be and the influence they have on Florida’s children. TikTok is also a major security risk with ties to the CCP and should have no place on our college campuses or in our state government buildings. Thank you to Representative Yeager for pushing this bill across the finish line in the Florida House.” 

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About CFO Jimmy Patronis

Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis is a statewide elected official and a member of Florida’s Cabinet who oversees the Department of Financial Services. CFO Patronis works each day to fight insurance fraud, support Florida’s firefighters, and ensure the state’s finances are stable to support economic growth in the state. Follow the activities of the Department on Facebook (FLDFS) and Twitter (@FLDFS).