FORT WALTON BEACH, Fla., Sept. 22, 2025—A viral TikTok trend landed five juveniles in hot water after they kicked in a homeowner’s front door in Fort Walton Beach during the weekend.

Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a call to find the front door kicked in and the door frame damaged.

The resident recovered surveillance footage showing several juveniles approaching the front door and forcing it open before fleeing on foot.

Five juveniles were identified as the suspects and were criminally charged. All admitted to damaging the victim’s door at random, according to an OCSO release.

The boys explained it was like a TikTok challenge where participants randomly kick open someone’s door. The victim in this incident had no affiliation with the juveniles.

“This has been a dangerous and illegal social media trend,” said Sheriff Eric Aden.

What is the door-kick challenge?

What started out in dorms on college campuses is now a viral trend. The TikTok door-kick challenge encourages people to aggressively kick on residential front doors as if someone’s trying to illegally get inside, as in a home invasion. Another variation is the door-knock challenge, although it’s more banging than knocking.

After kicking (or banging on) the door, the perpetrator runs away while another videos the homeowner’s response.

This typically happens at night, but some instances have occurred during daytime hours.

In Florida, the Castle Doctrine, outlined in Florida Statute 776.013, allows individuals to use deadly force against an unlawful intruder in their home.

Door-kicking “puts everyone involved at serious risk,” said Aden. “We’re asking parents to please discuss the dangers of this trend with their children to prevent a potential tragedy.”