Palm Beach County is the first in Florida to ban so-called "conversion therapy" for minors.
The controversial process aims to change a person's sexual orientation.
Supporters of the ban say conversion therapy is a danger to young people, who are told that being gay, lesbian, bisexual transgender is unnatural and wrong. Furthermore, many therapists say sexual orientation can't be changed.
But those who oppose the ban, such as therapist Dr. Julie Hamilton, see the move as a infringement on free speech rights.
“It is a speech violation," said Dr. Hamilton, a licensed family therapist in Palm Beach Gardens. “What if a mom calls and says he’s suicidal because of his attractions, do we tell her that the county says we're not allowed to work with him if his goal is to change?"
The County commission passed the ban by a 5-2 margin on Tuesday.