What is the Age of Consent in Florida?

There are many laws in the country that protect the rights of the citizens and allow them to choose what’s right and wrong in society. All the laws that are made are solely related and based on the citizen’s culture, gender, and other economical aspects. However, there are also some laws that are created to keep our self-interest safe and not make any bad decisions early the life.

One of them is the age of consent. Age of consent is the minimum age that a person can allow themselves to involve in sexual acts legally. This age varies from country to country and it is one of the most followed rules anywhere in the world. When a person reaches the specified age, he/she shall not face any obligations from society or the law as they have reached the minimum age of consent.

Florida is one the most beautiful states present in the southeastern region of the United States. Today, we shall talk in-depth about the age of consent in Florida and related questions such as what is the legal age of consent in Florida, how is it declared, and many other questions. Come on let us know more about our friendly state!!

What is the age of consent in Florida?

The age of consent in Florida is 18, however subject to some exceptions. 16-17 years of males and females can have consent to have sexual relations with someone between the age of 16 and 23. Here, both parties are equally in the consent of sex and no party is breaking the law unless the minor is physically or mentally disabled.

Sexual actions in Florida are legal above the age of 18 which is the age of consent. Any person involved in sexual acts below the age of consent the same age as both the parties shall be put forth the law and equal punishments are given. When a person above the age of consent involves himself with an underage minor, this act is considered statutory rape even though the minor initiated the sexual act or verbally consented to the act.

Sexual activities include oral, anal, or vaginal penetration by, or union with, the sexual organ of another or the anal or vaginal penetration of another by any other object.

Please note that sexual activities that take place for medical purpose do not be considered against the law. 

Florida’s Romeo and Juliet Law

Like with other laws, Florida Romeo and Juliet law also has the best capability to protect their youngsters from being sex offenders. It protects young adults from being considered sex offenders when engaged in sexual activity with the consent of the other party. This does not encourage minor age groups to involve in sexual intercourse but protects them when necessary.

Romeo and Juliet law can only be applicable when the below criteria are met.

• The victim must be between the age of 14 and 17
• The other party must not be more than four years older than the victim.
• Both parties must have the consent of each other
• The offender must not hold any previous record of being a sexual offender.

Though the law protects the privacy and the legal consent of a minor from being sexually affected or involved it also affects the relationship between an adult and a minor. The laws are tight and constrain the adults to get into trouble even though the minor initiates the act.

However, Romeo and Juliet’s Act does protect the youngsters from becoming a sex offender, it is also very important to follow the rules of Romeo and Juliet law if has to be protected. As per the law, the offender’s age and the victim’s age must not be greater than four years, which is 1,460 days. Even if it is 1461 days, the act is considered as a statutory rape and the offender will have to face the charges.

Exceptions to Florida’s Age of consent law

The age of consent in Florida is 18 years however there are some exceptions when it comes to sexual relationships. There is a law called Romeo and Juliet law which protects youngsters from being charged as sex offenders. 

This applies when the victim is around 14-16 years and the offender’s age gap is not more than four years of the victim, then the act is considered to be legal, though it does not encourage sexual intercourse under the age of consent.

A close-in-age exception is also the case in Florida where 12 and 13 years old can involve in sexual activity with a partner of less than 2 years old as there is no relationship of trust, authority, or dependency. This is not considered a criminal offense under the law of Florida.

Legal consequences of violating Florida’s age of consent law

Age of consent is one of the important laws when it comes to protecting the rights of an individual’s body. Violating such laws is considered a second-degree felony and the offender must have to face serious consequences. If the offender is found guilty, he/she must have to pay a fine of 10,000 dollars and serve 15 years of prison time.

If the offender has no consent from the minor before the sexual activity, it is considered sexual battery. The charges of such actions mainly depend on the age and the action taken by the offender on the victim. 

Reporting sexual abuse and obtaining legal help

If anyone irrespective of gender goes through such incidents of sexual abuse, one must stand and report to the nearest authorities in order to take immediate action. One can file a complaint against the offender and bring justice to the victim. 

There are many laws that protect the rights of minors and reporting the crime can help you to care for your loved ones. If anyone has come across such incidents, FCASV of Florida can help those victims by providing legal help. One can call on the below number for legal needs –

(850) 297-2000 or can also email at legal@fcasv.org

Frequently Asked Questions

#1 What is the age of consent in Florida?

Age of consent in Florida is 18 years and one must not try to break this law at any cost. This can lead to some serious legal actions.

#2 What happens if someone has sex with someone under the age of consent in Florida?

It will be considered as statutory rape and the offender shall be charged with second-degree felony and might have to face 15 years of prison time.

#3 What is the Romeo and Juliet law in Florida?

It protects young adults from being accused of being sex offenders when the victim is 14 and 17 years old and the offender’s age gap is not more than 4 years.

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Conclusion

Age of consent in Florida is very important while moving forward with a sexual relationship with any person. Having sexual intercourse with a minor is against the law and the offender can face serious charges. Understanding the law can help you stay away from all these troubles and helps society to be free of crime.

However, if you are a victim of such sexual assault, do not hesitate to rise and file a complaint against the offender. There are many communities and firms that can help you to overcome this situation by supporting you in every way possible. 

Hope we have answered all the questions of what is the age of consent in Florida and also, spoken about the age of consent Florida and in Florida what is the age of consent.