Florida is moving forward with a bill that with one of the country's strictest social media bills. 

In a move that is likely to leave Silicon Valley up in arms, Florida's House of Representatives has greenlit legislation that would prevent all children younger than 16 from using social media applications. 

The law would also force social media companies to delete any personal information about these accounts and require them to use a “nongovernmental, independent, third-party not affiliated with the social media platform” to verify users’ age.

The legislation, as written, does not specify any particular social media platform. However, it does say it will apply to any company that “utilizes addictive, harmful, or deceptive design features, or any other feature that is designed to cause an account holder to have an excessive or compulsive need to use or engage with the social media platform."  

Last year, Florida's Surgeon General published a warning about the potential risks of social media use in children, although admitted more research into the issue was needed. Meanwhile, New York City Mayor Eric Adams is also issuing a strong warning about social media.

READ MORE: New York City Mayor Invents Another 'Public Health Hazard' - Calls Social Media 'Environmental Toxin'

"More research is needed to fully understand the impact of social media; however, the current body of evidence indicates that while social media may have benefits for some children and adolescents, there are ample indicators that social media can also have a profound risk of harm to the mental health and well-being of children and adolescents," the advisory warning statement stated. 

"At this time, we do not yet have enough evidence to determine if social media is sufficiently safe for children and adolescents," it continued. 

According to Politico, Republican lawmakers behind the bill cited the addictive elements of social media as justification for the bill. 

“These dopamine hits [from social media] are so addictive, it’s like a digital fentanyl,” said Rep. Fiona McFarland on the House floor. “And even the most plugged-in parent or attuned teen has a hard time shutting the door against these addictive features.”

“What this legislation is drawing attention to is that these features being deployed are addictive in nature,” added Rep. Tyler Sirois, who also co-sponsored the bill. “They are stimulating a chemical reaction in our kids to keep them hooked and to keep them coming back for more — and manipulating their behaviors.”

Meta, the parent company behind Facebook and Instagram, has pushed back against the legislation by suggesting it is not fit for purpose. 

“While our company recognizes the goals of House Bill 1, we believe this bill, as currently drafted, not only fails to empower parents to make the decision regarding whether their teen may use a social media platform but also fails to create robust, industry-wide standards that help parents and teens manage their online activity,” Caulder Harvill-Childs, a public policy manager for Meta, wrote in a letter to Florida legislators.

Despite their concerns, the bill passed the Florida House with a bipartisan 106-13 vote and will now head to the Republican-controlled Senate for further scrutiny. 

Last year, Utah passed similar legislation prohibiting those under 18 from opening social media accounts without consent from a parent or guardian. 

The law also bans minors from using their accounts between 10:30pm to 6:30am. Industry groups are currently suing the state over the law on the grounds that it is unconstitutional.