Florida’s law restricting sexually explicit drag performances from being presented to children has taken effect following a court ruling that cleared the way for enforcement.
The measure, signed into law by Gov. Ron DeSantis in 2023, had been blocked for months after legal challenges from advocacy groups and Democratic-aligned organizations, which argued it violated First Amendment protections.
The statute authorizes the state to penalize venues that admit minors to live performances deemed sexually explicit, including certain drag shows, while allowing adult-only performances to continue.
Supporters of the law say it is designed to protect children from age-inappropriate content and to give parents greater assurance about what minors are exposed to in public venues.
After the court decision removed the injunction that had prevented enforcement, state officials confirmed that the law is now in effect statewide. Conservative leaders praised the ruling as a win for parental rights and child protection, while critics said they expect further legal challenges.
The development aligns with broader efforts by Republican-led states—and backed by President Donald Trump and his allies—to limit sexually explicit material involving minors and push back against what they describe as ideological activism targeting children.
