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Florida / Minors

Florida v. OpenAI and Sam Altman

Government lawsuit. Press release headline (Florida Attorney General): “Attorney General James Uthmeier Files First-in-the-Nation State-Led Lawsuit Against OpenAI, CEO Sam Altman for Deceptive Practices and Harms to Floridians”

Enforcement action

Allegations. This is a lawsuit filed by a government office. Its claims are allegations that have not been proven in court, and the companies and people named may dispute them. Status as of October 21, 2026.

Filed Jun 1, 2026 in the Tenth Judicial Circuit, Highlands County. OpenAI removed it to federal court on Jul 2, 2026 (S.D. Fla. No. 2:26-cv-14238; a second removal docket, No. 2:26-cv-14237, shows no entries). Florida moved to remand on Jul 10, 2026, and on Aug 23, 2026 the court paused the defendants' response deadline pending that motion. News reports say the case was returned to state court in September 2026; we have not confirmed this on the court docket.

Chatbot Laws · verified Oct. 21, 2026

Florida's Attorney General sued OpenAI and CEO Sam Altman, alleging ChatGPT was marketed to the public including children while risks were hidden, collects minors' data without meaningful parental oversight, and encourages behavioral addiction and harm including self-harm.

Named as defendants

OpenAI and its CEO Sam Altman.

What the action covers

Other dutiesFiled in the Circuit Court of the Tenth Judicial Circuit in and for Highlands County. Two counts under the Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act, § 501.204 (unfair acts and unconscionable acts). Defendants: five OpenAI entities and Sam Altman. Allegations only.Fla. Stat. § 501.204

Who brought it and what it seeks

Brought byFlorida Attorney GeneralComplaint
Relief soughtSeeks civil penalties of up to $10,000 per violation (Fla. Stat. § 501.2075), damages, disgorgement, restitution, an injunction and fees.

Sources

  1. Florida AG press release, Jun 1, 2026 Supports: Date, court, allegations.
  2. File-stamped complaint (Florida Attorney General) Supports: Court, counts, defendants, relief.
  3. S.D. Fla. docket 2:26-cv-14237 (Justia) Supports: Removal to federal court Jul 2, 2026.
  4. State of Florida v. Altman et al., S.D. Fla. No. 2:26-cv-14238 (docket) Supports: Removal Jul 2, 2026; motion to remand Jul 10, 2026; Aug 23, 2026 stay of response deadline pending remand.