The general age of consent in Florida is 18 years old.

However, the law has some important nuances and exceptions you should understand.

Core rule in Florida

  • Florida law treats sexual activity with anyone under 18 as presumptively illegal, even if the younger person says they “consent.”
  • This is why many sources and lawyers describe “the age of consent” as 18 in Florida.

In practical terms, an adult who has sexual contact with a 16- or 17‑year‑old can face felony charges, depending on their age and the circumstances.

Close‑in‑age (“Romeo and Juliet”) type exceptions

Florida has a close‑in‑age exception that softens how the law treats some relationships between older teens and young adults.

  • Many legal summaries explain that 16‑ and 17‑year‑olds may engage in consensual sex with a partner who is under 24 (or in some summaries, under 24/23), and not in a position of authority over them.
  • A Florida criminal defense article notes that sex between a 16‑ or 17‑year‑old and someone 24 or older can be a second‑degree felony (up to 15 years in prison).
  • Separate “Romeo and Juliet” provisions mainly affect sex‑offender registration rather than whether the conduct was technically illegal, giving limited relief where the age gap is small and the younger person is mid‑teens or older.

Because of these overlapping rules, you will sometimes see one firm say “age of consent is 18, with a close‑in‑age exception,” while another focuses on specific statutes that treat 16 as the minimum for some consensual activity in narrow contexts.

Quick legal risk snapshot (simplified)

  • 15 or younger with an adult (18+) : Treated as serious “lewd” or statutory sex crimes, often second‑degree felonies or worse.
  • 16–17 with adult under 24 : May be covered by close‑in‑age/“Romeo and Juliet” style protections in some situations, but can still carry risk and may still be technically illegal under certain statutes.
  • 16–17 with adult 24+ : Commonly charged as a second‑degree felony , up to 15 years, plus likely sex‑offender registration.
  • Any minor with a teacher, coach, or other authority figure : No safe exception; these cases are treated very harshly.

Why you should be extra cautious

The law in this area is technical and harsh , and different statutes, court decisions, and “Romeo and Juliet” provisions can interact in confusing ways. A relationship that feels consensual to both people can still be a serious felony if the ages or roles are outside narrow limits.

If this question is about a real situation involving you or someone you know—especially if any adult is involved with someone under 18—it is important to speak privately with a licensed Florida criminal defense or family law attorney as soon as possible , and not rely on general online summaries.