Bill > S1136

This bill addresses legal provisions related to age in criminal offenses, specifically focusing on luring or enticing a child. The bill creates a new section of law (Section 787.001) that clarifies that ignorance of a victim's age, misrepresentation of a victim's age, or a genuine belief about a victim's age are not valid defenses in criminal cases where the victim's age is a key element of the offense. The bill also amends existing statutes to lower the age threshold for luring or enticing a child from 12 to 14 years old, and increases criminal penalties for such offenses. For example, luring or enticing a child under 14 is now classified as a third-degree felony for a first offense, and a second-degree felony for subsequent offenses or if the offender has prior convictions for specific sexual offenses. Additionally, the bill updates the Criminal Punishment Code's offense severity ranking chart to reflect these changes, ensuring that these offenses are appropriately categorized in terms of their legal severity. The bill is set to take effect on October 1, 2025.

Budget and Finance

Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice (Senate), Criminal Justice (Senate)

https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2025/1136