Bill > H0153

This bill enhances criminal penalties and legal provisions related to sheltering or aiding unmarried minor runaways in Florida. Specifically, the legislation increases the criminal penalty for knowingly sheltering an unmarried minor for more than 24 hours without parental consent or law enforcement notification from a first-degree misdemeanor to a third-degree felony. The bill introduces a legal presumption that if a person is under 18 years old, the defendant knowingly or recklessly disregarded the minor's age. Additionally, the bill provides a legal defense for individuals who can demonstrate they had reasonable cause to believe their actions were necessary to protect the minor from potential harm or danger to their welfare. The changes apply to two sections of Florida Statutes (984.085 and 985.731), and the new law will take effect on July 1, 2025. The goal appears to be discouraging adults from harboring minors without proper notification or consent while still allowing some flexibility for cases involving potential child protection.

Justice

https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2025/153