Florida
Sex Laws 2026

Florida's age of consent is 18. There is a close-in-age exemption often called a "Romeo and Juliet" provision: persons aged 16 or 17 may consent to sexual activity with a partner no more than four years older. Florida Statute Section 794.05 covers unlawful sexual activity with certain minors.

Sex education is required in Florida schools but must emphasize abstinence as the expected standard. HIV education is mandated at multiple grade levels. HB 1557, signed in 2022 and known as the "Don't Say Gay" law, restricts instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity in grades K-3 and limits it in higher grades to content deemed "age appropriate." Subsequent legislation extended these restrictions. LGBTQ+ topics are effectively excluded from sex education at most grade levels.

Florida's adult entertainment environment is moderate. Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Tampa, and Orlando have active adult entertainment industries regulated through county and municipal licensing. State obscenity law follows federal standards. There have been local crackdowns in specific counties, but no state-level campaign to dramatically restrict adult businesses.

Age 18. Don't Say Gay law (HB 1557) limits LGBTQ+ discussion in K-3 and beyond. Abstinence emphasized. HIV education required.

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