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Appeals Court Lifts Block, Lets Florida Enforce ‘Adult Live Performance’ Law

A Supreme Court ruling on universal injunctions opened the door to enforcement, with full 11th Circuit review pending.

Overview

  • The 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals stayed a district court injunction, ending a nearly two-year pause and reinstating the 2023 statute statewide except for Hamburger Mary’s.
  • Attorney General James Uthmeier said enforcement begins immediately and warned local governments and venues, singling out Pensacola over a Dec. 23 drag show that the city has declined to cancel and is advertised as 18+.
  • The order follows the Supreme Court’s June limits on universal injunctions, a change that undercut the basis for blocking the law statewide.
  • The full appeals court vacated an earlier panel ruling and set new briefing, with Florida’s brief due in late January and Hamburger Mary’s response expected in February 2026.
  • The law bars minors from “adult live performances,” defines the category to include drag performers, restricts local permitting, and authorizes state discipline; Hamburger Mary’s says the measure chills free expression.