Florida Child Pornography Laws
Child pornography laws protect children from exploitation in visual materials depicting sexual conduct. Florida criminalizes the production or promotion of child pornography when an individual makes prohibited materials such as pornographic photos or films involving minors under the age of eighteen. In addition, Florida state laws prosecute individuals who possess, control, or view child pornography, even if they do those activities within the privacy of their own homes.
Florida Child Pornography Laws at a Glance
| Statute |
Florida Statutes Title XLVI. Crimes § 827.071
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| Child Pornography-Related Offenses |
- A person is guilty of the use of a child in a sexual performance if, knowing the character and content thereof, he or she employs, authorizes, or induces a child less than 18 years of age to engage in a sexual performance or, being a parent, legal guardian, or custodian of such child, consents to the participation by such child in a sexual performance; 2nd degree felony.
- A person is guilty of promoting a sexual performance by a child when, knowing the character and content thereof, he or she produces, directs, or promotes any performance which includes sexual conduct by a child less than 18 years of age; 2nd degree felony.
- It is unlawful for any person to possess with the intent to promote any photograph, motion picture, exhibition, show, representation, or other presentation which, in whole or in part, includes any sexual conduct by a child; 2nd degree felony.
- It is unlawful for any person to knowingly possess, control, or intentionally view a photograph, motion picture, exhibition, show, representation, image, data, computer depiction, or other presentation which, in whole or in part, he or she knows to include any sexual conduct by a child; 3rd degree felony.
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| Sentences and Penalties |
- 2nd Degree Felony: Up to 15 years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines.
- 3rd Degree Felony: Up to 5 years in prison and up to $5,000 in fines.
In addition, convictions for some of the offenses related to child pornography require registration as sex offenders in the Florida Sex Offender Database.
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| Defenses to Child Pornography Charges |
- Entrapment by law enforcement officials might be a defense if the defendant can show that there was no predisposition to engage in the crime otherwise.
- Lack of knowledge or bona fide mistake regarding the participation of a child is not a defense to the promotion of child pornography.
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Note: State laws are constantly changing -- please contact a Florida criminal defense attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.
Related Resources
Charged With a Crime in Florida? Get Legal Representation
Any offense related to child pornography is taken very seriously and charged as a felony crime, which means you will likely serve prison time if convicted. If you have been charged with a crime involving child pornography, or any other Florida crime, you will want legal representation. Get a handle on your case today by meeting with a local Florida defense attorney.