Florida Child Luring Law 2025: What You Need to Know

A new Florida child luring law goes into effect on October 1, 2025. This new law changes how courts handle crimes involving children and increases penalties for luring or enticement offenses. If you are accused under these statutes in Tampa Bay, the risks are higher than ever before.

Key Changes in the Law

1. No defense based on a child’s age.

The law removes arguments that a defendant did not know a victim’s age or that the child misrepresented their age.

2. Expanded protections for children under 14.

Luring or enticing now applies to all children under 14 (previously under 12). Offenders face felony charges instead of misdemeanors132.

3. Increased sentencing severity.

Florida amended its Criminal Punishment Code to rank these crimes higher, meaning longer potential prison sentences.

Learn More About Related Defense Strategies

• Visit our Tampa Sex Crimes Defense page to see how Rocky Brancato defends against charges under Florida’s strict sex crime statutes.
• Explore our Tampa Child Abuse Defense page for insight on how medical records and expert testimony can shift the outcome of a case.

Outbound Resources

For further reading, review the official Florida Senate Bill Text – CS/HB 777 (2025) to see the statute in full.

Why This Matters in Tampa Bay

Prosecutors now have more leverage in child-related cases. Defendants can no longer argue that they believed the child was older. For anyone accused in Hillsborough, Pinellas, or Pasco County, this raises the stakes significantly.

FAQ: Florida Child Luring Law 2025

What is the Florida child luring law 2025?

It is a new law that takes effect October 1, 2025. It expands protections for children under 14 and increases penalties for luring or enticement.

Did the law change the defense of misrepresentation of age?

Not exactly. Florida law already blocked misrepresentation or ignorance of age as a defense. The new statute reinforces that rule by clearly stating it in its own section.

What are the penalties under this law?

An adult who lures a child under 14 now faces a felony charge. Repeat offenders and those with prior convictions face harsher felony sentences.

Does the law only apply to sex crimes?

No. Luring can apply in non-sexual situations, but prosecutors often charge it alongside sex crimes or child abuse.

Why should I hire a defense attorney quickly?

Early representation gives you the best chance to protect your rights, challenge the evidence, and avoid the harshest penalties.

Call The Brancato Law Firm, P.A.

If you or a loved one faces charges under the Florida child luring law 2025, call us immediately. The Brancato Law Firm, P.A. brings over 25 years of experience in defending major sex crimes cases. Rocky Brancato personally handles each case, bringing insights from his background leading an elite sex crimes unit.

Call (813) 727-7159 today for a confidential consultation. We serve Tampa, Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Pasco counties.