Obscenity Law
RICO-Obscenity Law
Harmful to Minors Law
Public Display of Offensive Material Law
Public Indecency Law
Alcohol Beverage Control Law (dealing with obscenity/nudity/pornography)
Sexually Oriented Business LawTITLE 46. CRIMES (Chs. 775-896)
CHAPTER 847. OBSCENITY
Fla. Stat. § 847.001
§ 847.001. Definitions
As used in this chapter, the term:
(1) "Adult" means a person 18 years of age or older.
(2) "Adult entertainment establishment" means the following terms as defined:
(a) "Adult bookstore" means any corporation, partnership, or business of any kind which restricts or purports to restrict admission only to adults, which has as part of its stock books, magazines, other periodicals, videos, discs, or other graphic media and which offers, sells, provides, or rents for a fee any sexually oriented material.
(b) "Adult theater" means an enclosed building or an enclosed space within a building used for presenting either films, live plays, dances, or other performances that are distinguished or characterized by an emphasis on matter depicting, describing, or relating to specific sexual activities for observation by patrons, and which restricts or purports to restrict admission only to adults.
(c) "Special Cabaret" means any business that features persons who engage in specific sexual activities for observation by patrons, and which restricts or purports to restrict admission only to adults.
(d) "Unlicensed massage establishment" means any business or enterprise that offers, sells, or provides, or that holds itself out as offering, selling, or providing, massages that include bathing, physical massage, rubbing, kneading, anointing, stroking, manipulating, or other tactile stimulation of the human body by either male or female employees or attendants, by hand or by any electrical or mechanical device, on or off the premises. The term "unlicensed massage establishment" does not include an establishment licensed under s. 480.043 which routinely provides medical services by state-licensed health care practitioners and massage therapists licensed under s. 480.041.
(3) "Child pornography" means any image depicting a minor engaged in sexual conduct.
(4) "Computer" means an electronic, magnetic, optical, electrochemical, or other high-speed data processing device performing logical, arithmetic, or storage functions and includes any data storage facility or communications facility directly related to or operating in conjunction with such device. The term also includes: any online service, Internet service, or local bulletin board; any electronic storage device, including a floppy disk or other magnetic storage device; or any compact disc that has read-only memory and the capacity to store audio, video, or written materials.
(5) "Deviate sexual intercourse" means sexual conduct between persons not married to each other consisting of contact between the penis and the anus, the mouth and the penis, or the mouth and the vulva.
(6) "Harmful to minors" means any reproduction, imitation, characterization, description, exhibition, presentation, or representation, of whatever kind or form, depicting nudity, sexual conduct, or sexual excitement when it:
(a) Predominantly appeals to a prurient, shameful, or morbid interest;
(b) Is patently offensive to prevailing standards in the adult community as a whole with respect to what is suitable material or conduct for minors; and
(c) Taken as a whole, is without serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value for minors.
A mother's breastfeeding of her baby is not under any circumstance "harmful to minors."
(7) "Masochism" means sexual gratification achieved by a person through, or the association of sexual activity with, submission or subjection to physical pain, suffering, humiliation, torture, or death.
(8) "Minor" means any person under the age of 18 years.
(9) "Nudity" means the showing of the human male or female genitals, pubic area, or buttocks with less than a fully opaque covering; or the showing of the female breast with less than a fully opaque covering of any portion thereof below the top of the nipple; or the depiction of covered male genitals in a discernibly turgid state. A mother's breastfeeding of her baby does not under any circumstance constitute "nudity," irrespective of whether or not the nipple is covered during or incidental to feeding.
(10) "Obscene" means the status of material which:
(a) The average person, applying contemporary community standards, would find, taken as a whole, appeals to the prurient interest;
(b) Depicts or describes, in a patently offensive way, sexual conduct as specifically defined herein; and
(c) Taken as a whole, lacks serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value.
A mother's breastfeeding of her baby is not under any circumstance "obscene."
(11) "Person" includes individuals, children, firms, associations, joint ventures, partnerships, estates, trusts, business trusts, syndicates, fiduciaries, corporations, and all other groups or combinations.
(12) "Sadism" means sexual gratification achieved through, or the association of sexual activity with, the infliction of physical pain, suffering, humiliation, torture, or death upon another person or an animal.
(13) "Sadomasochistic abuse" means flagellation or torture by or upon a person or animal, or the condition of being fettered, bound, or otherwise physically restrained, for the purpose of deriving sexual satisfaction, or satisfaction brought about as a result of sadistic violence, from inflicting harm on another or receiving such harm oneself.
(14) "Sexual battery" means oral, anal, or vaginal penetration by, or union with, the sexual organ of another or the anal or vaginal penetration of another by any other object; however, "sexual battery" does not include an act done for a bona fide medical purpose.
(15) "Sexual bestiality" means any sexual act, actual or simulated, between a person and an animal involving the sex organ of the one and the mouth, anus, or vagina of the other.
(16) "Sexual conduct" means actual or simulated sexual intercourse, deviate sexual intercourse, sexual bestiality, masturbation, or sadomasochistic abuse; actual lewd exhibition of the genitals; actual physical contact with a person's clothed or unclothed genitals, pubic area, buttocks, or, if such person is a female, breast with the intent to arouse or gratify the sexual desire of either party; or any act or conduct which constitutes sexual battery or simulates that sexual battery is being or will be committed. A mother's breastfeeding of her baby does not under any circumstance constitute "sexual conduct."
(17) "Sexual excitement" means the condition of the human male or female genitals when in a state of sexual stimulation or arousal.
(18) "Sexually oriented material" means any book, article, magazine, publication, or written matter of any kind or any drawing, etching, painting, photograph, motion picture film, or sound recording that depicts sexual activity, actual or simulated, involving human beings or human beings and animals, that exhibits uncovered human genitals or the pubic region in a lewd or lascivious manner, or that exhibits human male genitals in a discernibly turgid state, even if completely and opaquely covered.
(19) "Simulated" means the explicit depiction of conduct described in subsection (16) which creates the appearance of such conduct and which exhibits any uncovered portion of the breasts, genitals, or buttocks.
(20) "Specific sexual activities" includes the following sexual activities and the exhibition of the following anatomical areas:
(a) Human genitals in the state of sexual stimulation or arousal.
(b) Acts of human masturbation, sexual intercourse, sodomy, cunnilingus, fellatio, or any excretory function, or representation thereof.
(c) The fondling or erotic touching of human genitals, the pubic region, the buttocks, or the female breasts.
(d) Less than completely and opaquely covered:
1. Human genitals or the pubic region.
2. Buttocks.
3. Female breasts below the top of the areola.
4. Human male genitals in a discernibly turgid state, even if completely and opaquely covered.
§ 847.011. Prohibition of certain acts in connection with obscene, lewd, etc., materials; penalty
(1) (a) Except as provided in paragraph (c), any person who knowingly sells, lends, gives away, distributes, transmits, shows, or transmutes, or offers to sell, lend, give away, distribute, transmit, show, or transmute, or has in his or her possession, custody, or control with intent to sell, lend, give away, distribute, transmit, show, transmute, or advertise in any manner, any obscene book, magazine, periodical, pamphlet, newspaper, comic book, story paper, written or printed story or article, writing, paper, card, picture, drawing, photograph, motion picture film, figure, image, phonograph record, or wire or tape or other recording, or any written, printed, or recorded matter of any such character which may or may not require mechanical or other means to be transmuted into auditory, visual, or sensory representations of such character, or any article or instrument for obscene use, or purporting to be for obscene use or purpose; or who knowingly designs, copies, draws, photographs, poses for, writes, prints, publishes, or in any manner whatsoever manufactures or prepares any such material, matter, article, or thing of any such character; or who knowingly writes, prints, publishes, or utters, or causes to be written, printed, published, or uttered, any advertisement or notice of any kind, giving information, directly or indirectly, stating, or purporting to state, where, how, of whom, or by what means any, or what purports to be any, such material, matter, article, or thing of any such character can be purchased, obtained, or had; or who in any manner knowingly hires, employs, uses, or permits any person knowingly to do or assist in doing any act or thing mentioned above, commits a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083. A person who, after having been convicted of a violation of this subsection, thereafter violates any of its provisions, commits a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.
(b) The knowing possession by any person of three or more identical or similar materials, matters, articles, or things coming within the provisions of paragraph (a) is prima facie evidence of the violation of the paragraph.
(c) A person who commits a violation of paragraph (a) or subsection (2) which is based on materials that depict a minor engaged in any act or conduct that is harmful to minors commits a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.
(d) A person's ignorance of a minor's age, a minor's misrepresentation of his or her age, a bona fide belief of a minor's age, or a minor's consent may not be raised as a defense in a prosecution for one or more violations of paragraph (a) or subsection (2).
(2) Except as provided in paragraph (1)(c), a person who knowingly has in his or her possession, custody, or control any obscene book, magazine, periodical, pamphlet, newspaper, comic book, story paper, written or printed story or article, writing, paper, card, picture, drawing, photograph, motion picture film, film, any sticker, decal, emblem or other device attached to a motor vehicle containing obscene descriptions, photographs, or depictions, any figure, image, phonograph record, or wire or tape or other recording, or any written, printed, or recorded matter of any such character which may or may not require mechanical or other means to be transmuted into auditory, visual, or sensory representations of such character, or any article or instrument for obscene use, or purporting to be for obscene use or purpose, without intent to sell, lend, give away, distribute, transmit, show, transmute, or advertise the same, commits a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083. A person who, after having been convicted of violating this subsection, thereafter violates any of its provisions commits a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083. In any prosecution for such possession, it is not necessary to allege or prove the absence of such intent.
(3) No person shall as a condition to a sale, allocation, consignment, or delivery for resale of any paper, magazine, book, periodical, or publication require that the purchaser or consignee receive for resale any other article, paper, magazine, book, periodical, or publication reasonably believed by the purchaser or consignee to be obscene, and no person shall deny or threaten to deny or revoke any franchise or impose or threaten to impose any penalty, financial or otherwise, by reason of the failure of any person to accept any such article, paper, magazine, book, periodical, or publication, or by reason of the return thereof. Whoever violates this subsection is guilty of a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.
(4) Any person who knowingly promotes, conducts, performs, or participates in an obscene show, exhibition, or performance by live persons or a live person before an audience is guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083. Any person who, after having been convicted of violating this subsection, thereafter violates any of its provisions and is convicted thereof is guilty of a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.
(5) Every act, thing, or transaction forbidden by this section shall constitute a separate offense and shall be punishable as such.
(6) Proof that a defendant knowingly committed any act or engaged in any conduct referred to in this section may be made by showing that at the time such act was committed or conduct engaged in the defendant had actual knowledge of the contents or character of the material, matter, article, or thing possessed or otherwise dealt with, by showing facts and circumstances from which it may fairly be inferred that he or she had such knowledge, or by showing that he or she had knowledge of such facts and circumstances as would put a person of ordinary intelligence and caution on inquiry as to such contents or character.
(7) There shall be no right of property in any of the materials, matters, articles, or things possessed or otherwise dealt with in violation of this section; and, upon the seizure of any such material, matter, article, or thing by any authorized law enforcement officer, the same shall be held by the arresting agency. When the same is no longer required as evidence, the prosecuting officer or any claimant may move the court in writing for the disposition of the same and, after notice and hearing, the court, if it finds the same to have been possessed or otherwise dealt with in violation of this section, shall order the sheriff to destroy the same in the presence of the clerk; otherwise, the court shall order the same returned to the claimant if the claimant shows that he or she is entitled to possession. If destruction is ordered, the sheriff and clerk shall file a certificate of compliance.
(8) (a) The circuit court has jurisdiction to enjoin a threatened violation of this section upon complaint filed by the state attorney or attorney for a municipality in the name of the state upon the relation of such state attorney or attorney for a municipality.
(b) After the filing of such a complaint, the judge to whom it is presented may grant an order restraining the person complained of until final hearing or further order of the court. Whenever the relator state attorney or attorney for a municipality requests a judge of such court to set a hearing upon an application for such a restraining order, such judge shall set such hearing for a time within 3 days after the making of such request. No such order shall be made unless such judge is satisfied that sufficient notice of the application therefor has been given to the party restrained of the time when and place where the application for such restraining order is to be made; however, such notice shall be dispensed with when it is manifest to such judge, from the sworn allegations of the complaint or the affidavit of the plaintiff or other competent person, that the apprehended violation will be committed if an immediate remedy is not afforded.
(c) The person sought to be enjoined shall be entitled to a trial of the issues within 1 day after joinder of issue, and a decision shall be rendered by the court within 2 days of the conclusion of the trial.
(d) In any action brought as provided in this subsection, no bond or undertaking shall be required of the state attorney or the municipality or its attorney before the issuance of a restraining order provided for by paragraph (b), and there shall be no liability on the part of the state or the state attorney or the municipality or its attorney for costs or for damages sustained by reason of such restraining order in any case where a final decree is rendered in favor of the person sought to be enjoined.
(e) Every person who has possession, custody, or control of, or otherwise deals with, any of the materials, matters, articles, or things described in this section, after the service upon him or her of a summons and complaint in an action for injunction brought under this subsection, is chargeable with knowledge of the contents and character thereof.
(9) The several sheriffs and state attorneys shall vigorously enforce this section within their respective jurisdictions.
(10) This section shall not apply to the exhibition of motion picture films permitted by s. 847.013.
§ 847.012. Harmful materials; sale or distribution to minors or using minors in production prohibited; penalty
(1) As used in this section, "knowingly" means having the general knowledge of, reason to know, or a belief or ground for belief which warrants further inspection or inquiry of both:
(a) The character and content of any material described in this section which is reasonably susceptible of examination by the defendant; and
(b) The age of the minor.
(2) A person's ignorance of a minor's age, a minor's misrepresentation of his or her age, a bona fide belief of a minor's age, or a minor's consent may not be raised as a defense in a prosecution for a violation of this section.
(3) A person may not knowingly sell, rent, or loan for monetary consideration to a minor:
(a) Any picture, photograph, drawing, sculpture, motion picture film, videocassette, or similar visual representation or image of a person or portion of the human body which depicts nudity or sexual conduct, sexual excitement, sexual battery, bestiality, or sadomasochistic abuse and which is harmful to minors; or
(b) Any book, pamphlet, magazine, printed matter however reproduced, or sound recording that contains any matter defined in s. 847.001, explicit and detailed verbal descriptions or narrative accounts of sexual excitement, or sexual conduct and that is harmful to minors.
(4) A person may not knowingly use a minor in the production of any material described in subsection (3), regardless of whether the material is intended for distribution to minors or is actually distributed to minors.
(5) Any person violating any provision of this section commits a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.
(6) Every act, thing, or transaction forbidden by this section constitutes a separate offense and is punishable as such.
(7) (a) The circuit court has jurisdiction to enjoin a violation of this section upon complaint filed by the state attorney in the name of the state upon the relation of such state attorney.
(b) After the filing of such a complaint, the judge to whom it is presented may grant an order restraining the person complained of until final hearing or further order of the court. Whenever the relator state attorney requests a judge of such court to set a hearing upon an application for a restraining order, the judge shall set the hearing for a time within 3 days after the making of the request. The order may not be made unless the judge is satisfied that sufficient notice of the application therefor has been given to the party restrained of the time when and place where the application for the restraining order is to be made.
(c) The person sought to be enjoined is entitled to a trial of the issues within 1 day after joinder of issue, and a decision shall be rendered by the court within 2 days after the conclusion of the trial.
(d) If a final decree of injunction is entered, it must contain a provision directing the defendant having the possession, custody, or control of the materials, matters, articles, or things affected by the injunction to surrender the same to the sheriff and requiring the sheriff to seize and destroy the same. The sheriff shall file a certificate of her or his compliance.
(e) In any action brought as provided in this section, a bond or undertaking may not be required of the state or the state attorney before the issuance of a restraining order provided for by paragraph (b), and the state or the state attorney may not be held liable for costs or for damages sustained by reason of the restraining order in any case where a final decree is rendered in favor of the person sought to be enjoined.
(f) Every person who has possession, custody, or control of, or otherwise deals with, any of the materials, matters, articles, or things described in this section, after the service upon her or him of a summons and complaint in an action for injunction brought under this section, is chargeable with knowledge of the contents and character thereof.
(8) The several sheriffs and state attorneys shall vigorously enforce this section within their respective jurisdictions.
(9) This section does not apply to the exhibition of motion pictures, shows, presentations, or other representations regulated under s. 847.013.
§ 847.0125. Retail display of materials harmful to minors prohibited
(1) [amended by s. 4, ch. 86-238.] "knowingly" defined. --As used in this section, "knowingly" means having general knowledge of, reason to know, or a belief or ground for belief which warrants further inspection or inquiry of both:
(a) The character and content of any material described herein which is reasonably susceptible of examination by the defendant, and
(b) The age of the minor; however, an honest mistake shall constitute an excuse from liability hereunder if the defendant made a reasonable bona fide attempt to ascertain the true age of such minor.
(2) Offenses and penalties.
(a) It is unlawful for anyone offering for sale in a retail establishment open to the general public any book, magazine, or other printed material, the cover of which depicts material which is harmful to minors, to knowingly exhibit such book, magazine, or material in such establishment in such a way that it is on open display to, or within the convenient reach of, minors who may frequent the retail establishment. Such items shall, however, be displayed, either individually or collectively, behind an opaque covering which conceals the book, magazine, or other printed material.
(b) It is unlawful for anyone offering for sale in a retail establishment open to the general public any book, magazine, or other printed material, the content of which exploits, is devoted to, or is principally made up of descriptions or depictions of material which is harmful to minors, to knowingly exhibit such book, magazine, or material in such establishment in such a way that it is within the convenient reach of minors who may frequent the retail establishment.
(c) A violation of any provision of this section constitutes a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.
[Amended by s. 3, ch. 86-38.] Retail display of materials harmful to minors prohibited
(1) Definitions. --As used in this section:
(a) "Deviate sexual intercourse" means sexual conduct between persons not married to each other consisting of contact between the penis and the anus, the mouth and the penis, or the mouth and the vulva.
(b) "Minor" means any person under the age of 18 years.
(c) "Nudity" means the showing of the human male or female genitals, pubic area, or buttocks with less than a fully opaque covering; the showing of the female breast with less than a fully opaque covering of any portion thereof below the top of the nipple; or the depiction of covered male genitals in a discernibly turgid state.
(d) "Sadomasochistic abuse" means flagellation or torture by or upon a person, or the condition of being fettered, bound, or otherwise physically restrained, for the purpose of deriving sexual satisfaction from inflicting harm on another or receiving such harm oneself.
(e) "Sexual battery" means oral, anal, or vaginal penetration by, or union with, the sexual organ of another or the anal or vaginal penetration of another by any other object; however, 'sexual battery" does not include an act done for a bona fide medical purpose.
(f) "Sexual bestiality" means any sexual act between a person and an animal involving the sex organ of the one and the mouth, anus, or vagina of the other.
(g) "Sexual conduct" means actual or simulated sexual intercourse, deviate sexual intercourse, sexual bestiality, masturbation, or sadomasochistic abuse; actual lewd exhibition of the genitals; actual physical contact with a person's clothed or unclothed genitals, pubic area, buttocks, or, if such person is a female, breast; or any act or conduct which constitutes sexual battery or simulates that sexual battery is being or will be committed.
(h) "Sexual excitement" means the condition of human male or female genitals when in a state of sexual stimulation or arousal.
(i) "Simulated" means the explicit depiction of any of the conduct set forth in paragraph (g) which creates the appearance of such conduct and which exhibits any uncovered portion of the breasts, genitals, or buttocks.
(j) "Harmful to minors" means that quality of any description, exhibition, presentation, or representation, in whatever form, of nudity, sexual conduct, or sexual excitement when it:
1. Predominantly appeals to the prurient, shameful, or morbid interest of minors;
2. Is patently offensive to prevailing standards in the adult community as a whole with respect to what is suitable material for minors; and
3. Is without serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value for minors.
(k) "Knowingly" means having general knowledge of, reason to know, or a belief or ground for belief which warrants further inspection or inquiry of both:
1. The character and content of any material described herein which is reasonably susceptible of examination by the defendant, and
2. The age of the minor; however, an honest mistake shall constitute an excuse from liability hereunder if the defendant made a reasonable bona fide attempt to ascertain the true age of such minor.
(2) Offenses and penalties.
(a) It is unlawful for anyone offering for sale in a retail establishment open to the general public any book, magazine, or other printed material, the cover of which depicts nudity which is harmful to minors, to knowingly exhibit such book, magazine, or material in such establishment in such a way that it is on open display to, or within the convenient reach of, minors who may frequent the retail establishment. Such items may, however, be displayed behind an opaque covering which conceals the nudity, provided such items are not within the convenient reach of minors who may frequent the retail establishment.
(b) It is unlawful for anyone offering for sale in a retail establishment open to the general public any book, magazine, or other printed material, the content of which exploits, is devoted to, or is principally made up of descriptions or depictions of nudity which are harmful to minors, to knowingly exhibit such book, magazine, or material in such establishment in such a way that it is within the convenient reach of minors who may frequent the retail establishment.
(c) A violation of any provision of this section constitutes a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.
§ 847.013. Exposing minors to harmful motion pictures, exhibitions, shows, presentations, or representations
(1) "knowingly" defined. --As used in this section "knowingly" means having general knowledge of, reason to know, or a belief or ground for belief which warrants further inspection or inquiry of both:
(a) The character and content of any motion picture described herein which is reasonably susceptible of examination by the defendant, or the character of any exhibition, presentation, representation, or show described herein, other than a motion picture show, which is reasonably susceptible of being ascertained by the defendant; and
(b) The age of the minor.
(2) Minor's age. --A person's ignorance of a minor's age, a minor's misrepresentation of his or her age, a bona fide belief of a minor's age, or a minor's consent may not be raised as a defense in a prosecution for a violation of this section.
(3) (a) Offenses and penalties. --A person may not knowingly exhibit for a monetary consideration to a minor or knowingly sell or rent a videotape of a motion picture to a minor or knowingly sell to a minor an admission ticket or pass or knowingly admit a minor for a monetary consideration to premises whereon there is exhibited a motion picture, exhibition, show, representation, or other presentation which, in whole or in part, depicts nudity, sexual conduct, sexual excitement, sexual battery, bestiality, or sadomasochistic abuse and which is harmful to minors.
(b) A person may not knowingly rent or sell, or loan to a minor for monetary consideration, a videocassette or a videotape of a motion picture, or similar presentation, which, in whole or in part, depicts nudity, sexual conduct, sexual excitement, sexual battery, bestiality, or sadomasochistic abuse and which is harmful to minors.
(c) The provisions of paragraph (a) do not apply to a minor when the minor is accompanied by his or her parents or either of them.
(d) A minor may not falsely represent to the owner of any premises mentioned in paragraph (a), or to the owner's agent, or to any person mentioned in paragraph (b), that the minor is 17 years of age or older, with the intent to procure the minor's admission to such premises, or the minor's purchase or rental of a videotape, for a monetary consideration.
(e) A person may not knowingly make a false representation to the owner of any premises mentioned in paragraph (a), or to the owner's agent, or to any person mentioned in paragraph (b), that he or she is the parent of any minor or that any minor is 17 years of age or older, with intent to procure the minor's admission to the premises or to aid the minor in procuring admission thereto, or to aid or enable the minor's purchase or rental of a videotape, for a monetary consideration.
(f) A violation of any provision of this subsection constitutes a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.
(4) Injunctive proceedings.
(a) The circuit court has jurisdiction to enjoin a threatened violation of subsection (2) upon complaint filed by the state attorney in the name of the state upon the relation of such state attorney.
(b) After the filing of such a complaint, the judge to whom it is presented may grant an order restraining the person or persons complained of until final hearing or further order of the court. Whenever the relator requests a judge of the court to set a hearing upon an application for a restraining order, the judge shall set the hearing for a time within 3 days after the making of the request. An order may not be made unless the judge is satisfied that sufficient notice of the application therefor has been given to the person or persons restrained of the time when and place where the application for the restraining order is to be heard. However, the notice shall be dispensed with when it is manifest to the judge, from the allegations of a sworn complaint or independent affidavit, sworn to by the relator or by some person associated with him or her in the field of law enforcement and filed by the relator, that the apprehended violation will be committed if an immediate remedy is not afforded.
(c) The person or persons sought to be enjoined are entitled to a trial of the issues within 1 day after joinder of issue, and a decision shall be rendered by the court within 2 days after the conclusion of the trial.
(d) In any action brought as provided in this section, a bond or undertaking is not required of the state or the relator state attorney before the issuance of a restraining order provided for by this section, and there is no liability on the part of the state or the relator state attorney for costs or damages sustained by reason of such restraining order in any case in which a final decree is rendered in favor of the person or persons sought to be enjoined.
(e) Every person who has possession, custody, or control of, or otherwise deals with, any motion picture, exhibition, show, representation, or presentation described in this section, after the service upon him or her of a summons and complaint in an action for injunction brought under this section, is chargeable with knowledge of the contents or character thereof.
(5) Legislative intent. --In order to make the application and enforcement of this section uniform throughout the state, it is the intent of the Legislature to preempt the field, to the exclusion of counties and municipalities, insofar as it concerns exposing persons under 17 years of age to harmful motion pictures, exhibitions, shows, representations, presentations, and commercial or sexual exploitation. To that end, it is hereby declared that every county ordinance and every municipal ordinance adopted prior to July 1, 1969, and relating to such subject shall stand abrogated and unenforceable on and after such date and that no county, municipality, or consolidated county-municipal government shall have the power to adopt any ordinance relating to that subject on or after such effective date.
§ 847.0133. Protection of minors; prohibition of certain acts in connection with obscenity; penalty
(1) A person may not knowingly sell, rent, loan, give away, distribute, transmit, or show any obscene material to a minor. For purposes of this section 'obscene material" means any obscene book, magazine, periodical, pamphlet, newspaper, comic book, story paper, written or printed story or article, writing paper, card, picture, drawing, photograph, motion picture film, figure, image, videotape, videocassette, phonograph record, or wire or tape or other recording, or any written, printed, or recorded matter of any such character which may or may not require mechanical or other means to be transmuted into auditory, visual, or sensory representations of such character, or any article or instrument for obscene use, or purporting to be for obscene use or purpose. The term 'obscene" has the same meaning as set forth in s. 847.001.
(2) As used in this section "knowingly" has the same meaning set forth in s. 847.012(1). A "minor" is any person under the age of 18 years.
(3) A violation of the provisions of this section constitutes a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.
§ 847.0134. Prohibition of adult entertainment establishment that displays, sells, or distributes materials harmful to minors within 2,500 feet of a school
(1) Except for those establishments that are legally operating or have been granted a permit from a local government to operate as adult entertainment establishments on or before July 1, 2001, an adult entertainment establishment that sells, rents, loans, distributes, transmits, shows, or exhibits any obscene material, as described in s. 847.0133, or presents live entertainment or a motion picture, slide, or other exhibit that, in whole or in part, depicts nudity, sexual conduct, sexual excitement, sexual battery, sexual bestiality, or sadomasochistic abuse and that is harmful to minors, as described in s. 847.001, may not be located within 2,500 feet of the real property that comprises a public or private elementary school, middle school, or secondary school unless the county or municipality approves the location under proceedings as provided in s. 125.66(4) for counties or s. 166.041(3)(c) for municipalities.
(2) A violation of this section constitutes a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.
§ 847.02. Confiscation of obscene material
Whenever anyone is convicted under s. 847.011, the court in awarding sentence shall make an order confiscating said obscene material and authorize the sheriff of the county in which the material is held to destroy the same. The sheriff shall file with the court a certificate of his or her compliance.
§ 847.03. Officer to seize obscene material
Whenever any officer arrests any person charged with any offense under s. 847.011, the officer shall seize said obscene material and take the same into his or her custody to await the sentence of the court upon the trial of the offender.
§ 847.06. Obscene matter; transportation into state prohibited; penalty
(1) Whoever knowingly transports into the state or within the state for the purpose of sale or distribution any obscene book; magazine; periodical; pamphlet; newspaper; comic book; story; paper; written or printed story or article; writing; paper; card; picture; drawing; photograph; motion picture film; figure; image; phonograph record, or wire or tape or other recording, or other article capable of producing sound; or any other matter of obscene character shall be guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.
(2) When any person is convicted of a violation of this section, the court in its judgment of conviction may, in addition to the penalty prescribed, order the confiscation and disposal of such items described herein which were found in the possession or under the immediate control of such person at the time of his or her arrest.
§ 847.07. Wholesale promotion of obscene materials; penalties
(1) As used in this section, "wholesale promote" means to manufacture, issue, sell, provide, deliver, transfer, transmit, publish, distribute, circulate, or disseminate, or offer or agree to do the same, with or without consideration, for purposes of resale or redistribution.
(2) Any person who knowingly wholesale promotes any obscene matter or performance, or in any manner knowingly hires, employs, uses, or permits any person to wholesale promote or assist in wholesale promoting any obscene matter or performance, is guilty of a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.
(3) No person shall, as a condition to sale, allocation, consignment, or delivery for resale of any matter or performance, require that the purchaser or consignee receive for resale any other matter or performance reasonably believed by the purchaser or consignee to be obscene; and no person shall deny or revoke any franchise, or threaten to do so, or impose or threaten to impose any penalty, financial or otherwise, by reason of the refusal or failure of any person to accept any such matter or by reason of the return thereof. Whoever violates this subsection is guilty of a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.
§ 847.09. Legislative intent
(1) In order to make the application and enforcement of ss. 847.07-847.09 uniform throughout the state, it is the intent of the Legislature to preempt the field, to the exclusion of counties and municipalities, insofar as it concerns exposing persons over 17 years of age to harmful motion pictures, exhibitions, shows, representations, and presentations. To that end, it is hereby declared that every county ordinance and every municipal ordinance adopted prior to July 1, 1973, and relating to said subject shall stand abrogated and unenforceable on and after such date and that no county, municipality, or consolidated county-municipal government shall have the power to adopt any ordinance relating to the subject on or after such effective date. If ss. 847.07-847.09 are declared to be illegal, unconstitutional, or otherwise unenforceable, any county or municipal ordinance abrogated before ss. 847.07-847.09 were declared unconstitutional shall be in full force and effect, and each county, municipality, and consolidated county-municipal government shall have the power to adopt ordinances relating to this subject.
(2) Nothing in ss. 847.07-847.09 shall be construed to repeal or in any way supersede the provisions of s. 847.011, s. 847.012, or s. 847.013.
(3) Nothing herein shall be construed to limit the free exercise of free speech or picketing by any organization, group, or individual for the purpose of upholding community standards.
TITLE 46. CRIMES (Chs. 775-896)
CHAPTER 895. OFFENSES CONCERNING RACKETEERING AND ILLEGAL DEBTS
Fla. Stat. § 895.01
§ 895.01. Short title
Sections 895.01-895.06 shall be known as the "Florida RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization) Act."
§ 895.02. Definitions
As used in ss. 895.01-895.08, the term:
(1) "Racketeering activity" means to commit, to attempt to commit, to conspire to commit, or to solicit, coerce, or intimidate another person to commit:
(a) Any crime that is chargeable by petition, indictment, or information under the following provisions of the Florida Statutes:
1. Section 210.18, relating to evasion of payment of cigarette taxes.
2. Section 316.1935, relating to fleeing or attempting to elude a law enforcement officer and aggravated fleeing or eluding.
3. Section 403.727(3)(b), relating to environmental control.
4. Section 409.920 or s. 409.9201, relating to Medicaid fraud.
5. Section 414.39, relating to public assistance fraud.
6. Section 440.105 or s. 440.106, relating to workers' compensation.
7. Section 443.071(4), relating to creation of a fictitious employer scheme to commit unemployment compensation fraud.
8. Section 465.0161, relating to distribution of medicinal drugs without a permit as an Internet pharmacy.
9. Section 499.0051, relating to crimes involving contraband and adulterated drugs.
10. Part IV of chapter 501, relating to telemarketing.
11. Chapter 517, relating to sale of securities and investor protection.
12. Section 550.235 or s. 550.3551 relating to dogracing and horseracing.
13. Chapter 550, relating to jai alai frontons.
14. Section 551.109, relating to slot machine gaming.
15. Chapter 552, relating to the manufacture, distribution, and use of explosives.
16. Chapter 560, relating to money transmitters, if the violation is punishable as a felony.
17. Chapter 562, relating to beverage law enforcement.
18. Section 624.401, relating to transacting insurance without a certificate of authority, s. 624.437(4)(c)1., relating to operating an unauthorized multiple-employer welfare arrangement, or s. 626.902(1)(b), relating to representing or aiding an unauthorized insurer.
19. Section 655.50, relating to reports of currency transactions, when such violation is punishable as a felony.
20. Chapter 687, relating to interest and usurious practices.
21. Section 721.08, s. 721.09, or s. 721.13, relating to real estate timeshare plans.
22. Section 775.13(5)(b), relating to registration of persons found to have committed any offense for the purpose of benefiting, promoting, or furthering the interests of a criminal gang.
23. Section 777.03, relating to commission of crimes by accessories after the fact.
24. Chapter 782, relating to homicide.
25. Chapter 784, relating to assault and battery.
26. Chapter 787, relating to kidnapping or human trafficking.
27. Chapter 790, relating to weapons and firearms.
28. Chapter 794, relating to sexual battery, but only if such crime was committed with the intent to benefit, promote, or further the interests of a criminal gang, or for the purpose of increasing a criminal gang member's own standing or position within a criminal gang.
29. Section 796.03, s. 796.035, s. 796.04, s. 796.045, s. 796.05, or s. 796.07, relating to prostitution and sex trafficking.
30. Chapter 806, relating to arson and criminal mischief.
31. Chapter 810, relating to burglary and trespass.
32. Chapter 812, relating to theft, robbery, and related crimes.
33. Chapter 815, relating to computer-related crimes.
34. Chapter 817, relating to fraudulent practices, false pretenses, fraud generally, and credit card crimes.
35. Chapter 825, relating to abuse, neglect, or exploitation of an elderly person or disabled adult.
36. Section 827.071, relating to commercial sexual exploitation of children.
37. Chapter 831, relating to forgery and counterfeiting.
38. Chapter 832, relating to issuance of worthless checks and drafts.
39. Section 836.05, relating to extortion.
40. Chapter 837, relating to perjury.
41. Chapter 838, relating to bribery and misuse of public office.
42. Chapter 843, relating to obstruction of justice.
43. Section 847.011, s. 847.012, s. 847.013, s. 847.06, or s. 847.07, relating to obscene literature and profanity.
44. Section 849.09, s. 849.14, s. 849.15, s. 849.23, or s. 849.25, relating to gambling.
45. Chapter 874, relating to criminal gangs.
46. Chapter 893, relating to drug abuse prevention and control.
47. Chapter 896, relating to offenses related to financial transactions.
48. Sections 914.22 and 914.23, relating to tampering with or harassing a witness, victim, or informant, and retaliation against a witness, victim, or informant.
49. Sections 918.12 and 918.13, relating to tampering with jurors and evidence.
(b) Any conduct defined as "racketeering activity" under 18 U.S.C. s. 1961(1).
(2) "Unlawful debt" means any money or other thing of value constituting principal or interest of a debt that is legally unenforceable in this state in whole or in part because the debt was incurred or contracted:
(a) In violation of any one of the following provisions of law:
1. Section 550.235 or s. 550.3551, relating to dogracing and horseracing.
2. Chapter 550, relating to jai alai frontons.
3. Section 551.109, relating to slot machine gaming.
4. Chapter 687, relating to interest and usury.
5. Section 849.09, s. 849.14, s. 849.15, s. 849.23, or s. 849.25, relating to gambling.
(b) In gambling activity in violation of federal law or in the business of lending money at a rate usurious under state or federal law.
(3) "Enterprise" means any individual, sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, business trust, union chartered under the laws of this state, or other legal entity, or any unchartered union, association, or group of individuals associated in fact although not a legal entity; and it includes illicit as well as licit enterprises and governmental, as well as other, entities. A criminal gang, as defined in s. 874.03, constitutes an enterprise.
(4) "Pattern of racketeering activity" means engaging in at least two incidents of racketeering conduct that have the same or similar intents, results, accomplices, victims, or methods of commission or that otherwise are interrelated by distinguishing characteristics and are not isolated incidents, provided at least one of such incidents occurred after the effective date of this act and that the last of such incidents occurred within 5 years after a prior incident of racketeering conduct.
(5) "Documentary material" means any book, paper, document, writing, drawing, graph, chart, photograph, phonorecord, magnetic tape, computer printout, other data compilation from which information can be obtained or from which information can be translated into usable form, or other tangible item.
(6) "RICO lien notice" means the notice described in s. 895.05(12) or in s. 895.07.
(7) "Investigative agency" means the Department of Legal Affairs, the Office of Statewide Prosecution, or the office of a state attorney.
(8) "Beneficial interest" means any of the following:
(a) The interest of a person as a beneficiary under a trust established pursuant to s. 689.07 or s. 689.071 in which the trustee for the trust holds legal or record title to real property;
(b) The interest of a person as a beneficiary under any other trust arrangement pursuant to which a trustee holds legal or record title to real property for the benefit of such person; or
(c) The interest of a person under any other form of express fiduciary arrangement pursuant to which any other person holds legal or record title to real property for the benefit of such person.
The term "beneficial interest" does not include the interest of a stockholder in a corporation or the interest of a partner in either a general partnership or a limited partnership. A beneficial interest shall be deemed to be located where the real property owned by the trustee is located.
(9) "Real property" means any real property or any interest in such real property, including, but not limited to, any lease of or mortgage upon such real property.
(10) "Trustee" means any of the following:
(a) Any person acting as trustee pursuant to a trust established under s. 689.07 or s. 689.071 in which the trustee holds legal or record title to real property.
(b) Any person who holds legal or record title to real property in which any other person has a beneficial interest.
(c) Any successor trustee or trustees to any or all of the foregoing persons.
However, the term "trustee" does not include any person appointed or acting as a personal representative as defined in s. 731.201 or appointed or acting as a trustee of any testamentary trust or as a trustee of any indenture of trust under which any bonds have been or are to be issued.
(11) "Criminal proceeding" means any criminal proceeding commenced by an investigative agency under s. 895.03 or any other provision of the Florida RICO Act.
(12) "Civil proceeding" means any civil proceeding commenced by an investigative agency under s. 895.05 or any other provision of the Florida RICO Act.
§ 895.04. Criminal penalties and alternative fine
(1) Any person convicted of engaging in activity in violation of the provisions of s. 895.03 is guilty of a felony of the first degree and shall be punished as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.
(2) In lieu of a fine otherwise authorized by law, any person convicted of engaging in conduct in violation of the provisions of s. 895.03, through which the person derived pecuniary value, or by which he or she caused personal injury or property damage or other loss, may be sentenced to pay a fine that does not exceed 3 times the gross value gained or 3 times the gross loss caused, whichever is the greater, plus court costs and the costs of investigation and prosecution, reasonably incurred.
(3) The court shall hold a hearing to determine the amount of the fine authorized by subsection (2).
(4) For the purposes of subsection (2), "pecuniary value" means:
(a) Anything of value in the form of money, a negotiable instrument, or a commercial interest or anything else the primary significance of which is economic advantage; or
(b) Any other property or service that has a value in excess of $ 100.
§ 895.05. Civil remedies
(1) Any circuit court may, after making due provision for the rights of innocent persons, enjoin violations of the provisions of s. 895.03 by issuing appropriate orders and judgments, including, but not limited to:
(a) Ordering any defendant to divest himself or herself of any interest in any enterprise, including real property.
(b) Imposing reasonable restrictions upon the future activities or investments of any defendant, including, but not limited to, prohibiting any defendant from engaging in the same type of endeavor as the enterprise in which the defendant was engaged in violation of the provisions of s. 895.03.
(c) Ordering the dissolution or reorganization of any enterprise.
(d) Ordering the suspension or revocation of a license, permit, or prior approval granted to any enterprise by any agency of the state.
(e) Ordering the forfeiture of the charter of a corporation organized under the laws of the state, or the revocation of a certificate authorizing a foreign corporation to conduct business within the state, upon finding that the board of directors or a managerial agent acting on behalf of the corporation, in conducting the affairs of the corporation, has authorized or engaged in conduct in violation of s. 895.03 and that, for the prevention of future criminal activity, the public interest requires the charter of the corporation forfeited and the corporation dissolved or the certificate revoked.
(2) (a) All property, real or personal, including money, used in the course of, intended for use in the course of, derived from, or realized through conduct in violation of a provision of ss. 895.01-895.05 is subject to civil forfeiture to the state.
(b) Upon the entry of a final judgment of forfeiture in favor of the state, the title of the state to the forfeited property shall relate back:
1. In the case of real property or a beneficial interest, to the date of filing of the RICO lien notice in the official records of the county where the real property or beneficial trust is located; if no RICO lien notice is filed, then to the date of the filing of any notice of lis pendens under s. 895.07(5)(a) in the official records of the county where the real property or beneficial interest is located; and if no RICO lien notice or notice of lis pendens is filed, then to the date of recording of the final judgment of forfeiture in the official records of the county where the real property or beneficial interest is located.
2. In the case of personal property, to the date the personal property was seized by the investigating agency.
If property subject to forfeiture is conveyed, alienated, disposed of, or otherwise rendered unavailable for forfeiture after the filing of a RICO lien notice or after the filing of a civil proceeding or criminal proceeding, whichever is earlier, the investigative agency may, on behalf of the state, institute an action in any circuit court against the person named in the RICO lien notice or the defendant in the civil proceeding or criminal proceeding, and the court shall enter final judgment against the person named in the RICO lien notice or the defendant in the civil proceeding or criminal proceeding in an amount equal to the fair market value of the property, together with investigative costs and attorney's fees incurred by the investigative agency in the action. If a civil proceeding is pending, such action shall be filed only in the court where the civil proceeding is pending.
(c) The state shall dispose of all forfeited property as soon as commercially feasible. If property is not exercisable or transferable for value by the state, it shall expire. All forfeitures or dispositions under this section shall be made with due provision for the rights of innocent persons. The proceeds realized from such forfeiture and disposition shall be promptly distributed in accordance with the provisions of s. 895.09.
(3) Property subject to forfeiture under this section may be seized by a law enforcement officer upon court process. Seizure without process may be made if:
(a) The seizure is incident to a lawful arrest or search or an inspection under an administrative inspection warrant.
(b) The property subject to seizure has been the subject of a prior judgment in favor of the state in a forfeiture proceeding based upon this section.
(4) In the event of a seizure under subsection (3), a forfeiture proceeding shall be instituted promptly. Property taken or detained under this section shall not be subject to replevin, but is deemed to be in the custody of the law enforcement officer making the seizure, subject only to the order of the court. When property is seized under this section, pending forfeiture and final disposition, the law enforcement officer may:
(a) Place the property under seal.
(b) Remove the property to a place designated by court.
(c) Require another agency authorized by law to take custody of the property and remove it to an appropriate location.
(5) The Department of Legal Affairs, any state attorney, or any state agency having jurisdiction over conduct in violation of a provision of this act may institute civil proceedings under this section. In any action brought under this section, the circuit court shall proceed as soon as practicable to the hearing and determination. Pending final determination, the circuit court may at any time enter such injunctions, prohibitions, or restraining orders, or take such actions, including the acceptance of satisfactory performance bonds, as the court may deem proper.
(6) Any aggrieved person may institute a proceeding under subsection (1). In such proceeding, relief shall be granted in conformity with the principles that govern the granting of injunctive relief from threatened loss or damage in other civil cases, except that no showing of special or irreparable damage to the person shall have to be made. Upon the execution of proper bond against damages for an injunction improvidently granted and a showing of immediate danger of significant loss or damage, a temporary restraining order and a preliminary injunction may be issued in any such action before a final determination on the merits.
(7) The state, including any of its agencies, instrumentalities, subdivisions, or municipalities, if it proves by clear and convincing evidence that it has been injured by reason of any violation of the provisions of s. 895.03, shall have a cause of action for threefold the actual damages sustained and shall also recover attorneys' fees in the trial and appellate courts and costs of investigation and litigation, reasonably incurred. In no event shall punitive damages be awarded. The defendant shall be entitled to recover reasonable attorneys' fees and court costs upon a finding that the claimant raised a claim which was without substantial factual or legal support.
(a) Either party may demand a trial by jury in any civil action brought pursuant to this subsection.
(b) Any prevailing plaintiff under this subsection or s. 772.104 shall have a right or claim to forfeited property or to the proceeds derived therefrom superior to any right or claim the state has in the same property or proceeds.
(8) A final judgment or decree rendered in favor of the state in any criminal proceeding under this act or any other criminal proceeding under state law shall estop the defendant in any subsequent civil action or proceeding under this act or under s. 772.104 as to all matters as to which such judgment or decree would be an estoppel as between the parties.
(9) The Department of Legal Affairs may, upon timely application, intervene in any civil action or proceeding brought under subsection (6) or subsection (7) if it certifies that, in its opinion, the action or proceeding is of general public importance. In such action or proceeding, the state shall be entitled to the same relief as if the Department of Legal Affairs had instituted the action or proceeding.
(10) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a criminal or civil action or proceeding under this act may be commenced at any time within 5 years after the conduct in violation of a provision of this act terminates or the cause of action accrues. If a criminal prosecution or civil action or other proceeding is brought, or intervened in, to punish, prevent, or restrain any violation of the provisions of this act, the running of the period of limitations prescribed by this section with respect to any cause of action arising under subsection (6) or subsection (7) which is based in whole or in part upon any matter complained of in any such prosecution, action, or proceeding shall be suspended during the pendency of such prosecution, action, or proceeding and for 2 years following its termination.
(11) The application of one civil remedy under any provision of this act does not preclude the application of any other remedy, civil or criminal, under this act or any other provision of law. Civil remedies under this act are supplemental, and not mutually exclusive.
(12) (a) In addition to the authority to file a RICO lien notice set forth in s. 895.07(1), the Department of Legal Affairs, the Office of Statewide Prosecution, or the office of a state attorney may apply ex parte to a criminal division of a circuit court and, upon petition supported by sworn affidavit, obtain an order authorizing the filing of a RICO lien notice against real property upon a showing of probable cause to believe that the property was used in the course of, intended for use in the course of, derived from, or realized through conduct in violation of a provision of ss. 895.01-895.05. If the lien notice authorization is granted, the department shall, after filing the lien notice, forthwith provide notice to the owner of the property by one of the following methods:
1. By serving the notice in the manner provided by law for the service of process.
2. By mailing the notice, postage prepaid, by registered or certified mail to the person to be served at his or her last known address and evidence of the delivery.
3. If neither of the foregoing can be accomplished, by posting the notice on the premises.
(b) The owner of the property may move the court to discharge the lien, and such motion shall be set for hearing at the earliest possible time.
(c) The court shall discharge the lien if it finds that there is no probable cause to believe that the property was used in the course of, intended for use in the course of, derived from, or realized through conduct in violation of a provision of ss. 895.01-895.05 or if it finds that the owner of the property neither knew nor reasonably should have known that the property was used in the course of, intended for use in the course of, derived from, or realized through conduct in violation of a provision of ss. 895.01-895.05.
(d) No testimony presented by the owner of the property at the hearing is admissible against him or her in any criminal proceeding except in a criminal prosecution for perjury or false statement, nor shall such testimony constitute a waiver of the owner's constitutional right against self-incrimination.
(e) A lien notice secured under the provisions of this subsection is valid for a period of 90 days from the date the court granted authorization, which period may be extended for an additional 90 days by the court for good cause shown, unless a civil proceeding is instituted under this section and a lien notice is filed under s. 895.07, in which event the term of the lien notice is governed by s. 895.08.
(f) The filing of a lien notice, whether or not subsequently discharged or otherwise lifted, shall constitute notice to the owner and knowledge by the owner that the property was used in the course of, intended for use in the course of, derived from, or realized through conduct in violation of a provision of ss. 895.01-895.05, such that lack of such notice and knowledge shall not be a defense in any subsequent civil or criminal proceeding under this chapter.See obscenity law.
Public Display of Offensive Material Law
See obscenity law.
TITLE 46. CRIMES (Chs. 775-896)
CHAPTER 800. LEWDNESS; INDECENT EXPOSURE
Fla. Stat. § 800.03
§ 800.03. Exposure of sexual organs
It is unlawful to expose or exhibit one's sexual organs in public or on the private premises of another, or so near thereto as to be seen from such private premises, in a vulgar or indecent manner, or to be naked in public except in any place provided or set apart for that purpose. Violation of this section is a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083. A mother's breastfeeding of her baby does not under any circumstance violate this section.
§ 800.04. Lewd or lascivious offenses committed upon or in the presence of persons less than 16 years of age
(1) Definitions. --As used in this section:
(a) "Sexual activity" means the oral, anal, or vaginal penetration by, or union with, the sexual organ of another or the anal or vaginal penetration of another by any other object; however, sexual activity does not include an act done for a bona fide medical purpose.
(b) "Consent" means intelligent, knowing, and voluntary consent, and does not include submission by coercion.
(c) "Coercion" means the use of exploitation, bribes, threats of force, or intimidation to gain cooperation or compliance.
(d) "Victim" means a person upon whom an offense described in this section was committed or attempted or a person who has reported a violation of this section to a law enforcement officer.
(2) Prohibited defenses. --Neither the victim's lack of chastity nor the victim's consent is a defense to the crimes proscribed by this section.
(3) Ignorance or belief of victim's age. --The perpetrator's ignorance of the victim's age, the victim's misrepresentation of his or her age, or the perpetrator's bona fide belief of the victim's age cannot be raised as a defense in a prosecution under this section.
(4) Lewd or lascivious battery. --A person who:
(a) Engages in sexual activity with a person 12 years of age or older but less than 16 years of age; or
(b) Encourages, forces, or entices any person less than 16 years of age to engage in sadomasochistic abuse, sexual bestiality, prostitution, or any other act involving sexual activity
commits lewd or lascivious battery, a felony of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.
(5) Lewd or lascivious molestation.
(a) A person who intentionally touches in a lewd or lascivious manner the breasts, genitals, genital area, or buttocks, or the clothing covering them, of a person less than 16 years of age, or forces or entices a person under 16 years of age to so touch the perpetrator, commits lewd or lascivious molestation.
(b) An offender 18 years of age or older who commits lewd or lascivious molestation against a victim less than 12 years of age commits a life felony, punishable as provided in s. 775.082(3)(a)4.
(c) 1. An offender less than 18 years of age who commits lewd or lascivious molestation against a victim less than 12 years of age; or
2. An offender 18 years of age or older who commits lewd or lascivious molestation against a victim 12 years of age or older but less than 16 years of age
commits a felony of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.
(d) An offender less than 18 years of age who commits lewd or lascivious molestation against a victim 12 years of age or older but less than 16 years of age commits a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.
(6) Lewd or lascivious conduct.
(a) A person who:
1. Intentionally touches a person under 16 years of age in a lewd or lascivious manner; or
2. Solicits a person under 16 years of age to commit a lewd or lascivious act
commits lewd or lascivious conduct.
(b) An offender 18 years of age or older who commits lewd or lascivious conduct commits a felony of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.
(c) An offender less than 18 years of age who commits lewd or lascivious conduct commits a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.
(7) Lewd or lascivious exhibition.
(a) A person who:
1. Intentionally masturbates;
2. Intentionally exposes the genitals in a lewd or lascivious manner; or
3. Intentionally commits any other sexual act that does not involve actual physical or sexual contact with the victim, including, but not limited to, sadomasochistic abuse, sexual bestiality, or the simulation of any act involving sexual activity
in the presence of a victim who is less than 16 years of age, commits lewd or lascivious exhibition.
(b) An offender 18 years of age or older who commits a lewd or lascivious exhibition commits a felony of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.
(c) An offender less than 18 years of age who commits a lewd or lascivious exhibition commits a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.
(8) Exception. --A mother's breastfeeding of her baby does not under any circumstance constitute a violation of this section.Alcohol Beverage Control Law (dealing with obscenity/nudity/pornography)
None.
Sexually Oriented Business Law
TITLE 46. CRIMES (Chs. 775-896)
CHAPTER 847. OBSCENITY
Fla. Stat. § 847.0134
§ 847.0134. Prohibition of adult entertainment establishment that displays, sells, or distributes materials harmful to minors within 2,500 feet of a school
(1) Except for those establishments that are legally operating or have been granted a permit from a local government to operate as adult entertainment establishments on or before July 1, 2001, an adult entertainment establishment that sells, rents, loans, distributes, transmits, shows, or exhibits any obscene material, as described in s. 847.0133, or presents live entertainment or a motion picture, slide, or other exhibit that, in whole or in part, depicts nudity, sexual conduct, sexual excitement, sexual battery, sexual bestiality, or sadomasochistic abuse and that is harmful to minors, as described in s. 847.001, may not be located within 2,500 feet of the real property that comprises a public or private elementary school, middle school, or secondary school unless the county or municipality approves the location under proceedings as provided in s. 125.66(4) for counties or s. 166.041(3)(c) for municipalities.
(2) A violation of this section constitutes a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.