What Are the Dating Age Laws in Florida?

No laws in the State of Florida require consenting parties to reach a certain age in order to date. However, a number of state laws prohibit sexual activity with minors. As a general rule, an adult cannot engage in sexual acts with a minor, even if they are dating.

Florida state laws define unlawful sexual activity with minors. It is always illegal to engage in sexual activity with a person under the age of 12. It is also illegal for a person over the age of 18 to engage in sexual behavior with, or in the presence of, a person that is between the ages of 12 and 16. It is also illegal for a person over the age of 24 to engage in sexual behavior with persons that are either 16 or 17. According to the Sex Laws website, these laws do not specifically address an adult under the age of 24 who engages in sexual behaviors with a 17-year-old minor.