“That’s a good way to end up dead, especially in Florida,”
Warns Sheriff Mike Chitwood.
A viral TikTok trend known as the “Door Kick Challenge” is causing serious concern — not just for parents. Law enforcement officials across Florida are sounding the alarm, warning that what some teens think is a harmless prank could lead to felony charges, violent confrontations, or worse — a fatal encounter with an armed homeowner.
Here’s what’s happening: teens film themselves sprinting up to a stranger’s home, kicking the front door — often hard enough to splinter the frame — and sometimes even firing a realistic-looking airsoft gun before running away. It’s all in pursuit of online clout, but authorities say the consequences are real.
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Florida authorities are warning families about the disturbing social media trend after a group of teens was caught on camera terrorizing a quiet neighborhood as part of the so-called “door kick challenge.”
According to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, five juveniles were seen walking through a residential area in Riverview when two approached a home—one wearing a ski mask. That individual then kicked the front door and fired an airsoft gun before fleeing the scene with the others.

The incident, captured on home surveillance and later released by the sheriff’s office, shows the masked teen forcefully kicking the door multiple times, pointing what appeared to be a firearm, and sprinting off. Fortunately, no one inside the home was injured, but law enforcement officials say the outcome could’ve been far worse.
“This is a prank circulating on social media. #teamHCSO is asking parents to speak to their children about this dangerous trend, which could end in tragedy,”
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office wrote in a Facebook post, urging community awareness.

The challenge first appeared on TikTok in 2021, often set to Kesha’s “Die Young.” At the time, it was mostly college kids pranking their dorm mates. But now? It’s moved far beyond campus.
By mid-2023, things had escalated. Videos showed teens in ski masks mimicking home invasions, some wielding fake firearms that look all too real in low light. In Florida — a state known for its high rate of gun ownership and “stand your ground” laws — that combination is a recipe for disaster.
Florida is quickly becoming the epicenter of the trend’s most extreme versions. Some recent — and frightening — examples:
- July 18, 2025 – Riverview, FL: Five teens were caught on camera roaming a quiet neighborhood. One wore a ski mask, kicked a door, and fired an airsoft rifle before running off. Police say felony charges are likely.
- July 9, 2025 – DeBary, FL: A 13-year-old girl and a 15-year-old boy reportedly kicked a neighbor’s front door until it broke open. Ring camera footage led to their arrest. Both were charged with felony burglary.
- June 12, 2024 – Spring Hill, FL: Two 15-year-old boys were accused of kicking in four doors for TikTok. The damage knocked the doors off their hinges. They were charged and released to their parents.
Even in cases without injuries, physical and emotional damage is significant. And under Florida law, a kicked-in door can be considered felony burglary, whether or not the intruders go inside.
Florida isn’t alone. The trend has shown up in states like California, Georgia, New Jersey, and Virginia — where a tragic “ding-dong ditch” incident ended in a teen’s death after a homeowner opened fire.
Experts say it comes down to social media validation. Teens are chasing likes, shares, and the fleeting thrill of virality — often without regard for the consequences.
The legal penalties are severe. Even damage over $1,000 can lead to criminal mischief charges and up to five years in prison. Add in airsoft guns or forced entry, and teens could be facing 15 years or more.
No arrests have been announced, but police say felony charges are possible. Officials are urging parents to monitor their children’s social media activity and speak to them about the dangers of participating in viral challenges.
“This might seem like a prank, but it’s a quick way to get hurt—or worse,” one Hillsborough County deputy said. “Homeowners are on edge, and kids don’t realize just how quickly these situations can spiral out of control.”
Florida sheriffs say it plainly: a startled homeowner might reach for a gun. And even if no one gets hurt, the legal fallout can be life-altering.
“This is how kids get killed,” Sheriff Chitwood says. “All for a TikTok video.”