Teenagers are notorious for making questionable decisions, and their problematic behaviors stem at least in part from the fact that their frontal lobe has not yet fully developed. Teenagers and young adults aren’t always aware of the long-term implications of their decisions or the risks that certain actions might carry.
In order to protect young adults from predatory older people who might take advantage of their naivety, Florida sets a specific age at which a young adult is able to consent to sexual activity. Knowing these rules can help you make more informed and cautious decisions regarding your romantic partners.
For those close in age, the age of consent is 16 or 17
For other young adults and adolescents who have not yet fully matured, it may be legal for them to have an intimate relationship with a teenager who is 16 or 17. However, there is a maximum age, which is 23. Anyone over the age of 23 violates the law by having sexual interactions with a 16- or 17-year-old teenager. It’s worth noting that those ages don’t apply to a minor with certain disabilities.
What is the age of consent for those seeing someone 24 or older?
If young adults pursue a relationship with an older adult who is 24 or older, the age of consent is 18. If parents or authority figures discover a romantic relationship that included sexual intimacy between someone over the age of 24 and a partner under the age of 18, the older partner could very well face
Knowing the law and exploring the situation that led to a charge can help someone facing this kind of criminal charge to plan a defense strategy.