The states aren’t really suing Florida. The story is misleading.

The 16 states filed an amicus brief with US District Court in Tallahassee. The states are 3rd parties. They are not suing Florida directly. Amicus briefs are filed by amicus curiae, or “friend of the court,” a third party who has a special interest or expertise in the case and wants to influence the court’s decisions in a particular way.

Three civil rights groups — Lambda Legal, the Southern Poverty Law Center and Southern Legal Counsel — are suing on behalf of two families, Florida teen activist Will Larkins, and LGBTQ center association CenterLink.

https://www.ag.state.mn.us/Office/Communications/2022/docs/EqualityFla_v_FlaStateBdEduc_AmicusBrief.pdf

In conclusion, the amicus brief asks the court to deny motions to dismiss the lawsuit.