FL S0444

Creates section 794.051, F.S., establishing a new felony offense for persons age 24 or older who intentionally touch in a lewd or lascivious manner the breasts, genitals, genital area, or buttocks of a person age 16 or 17, or force/entice such persons to touch the perpetrator.

Classifies the offense as a felony of the third degree, punishable under existing Florida sentencing statutes (s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084).

Exempts persons age 16 or 17 who have had the disability of nonage removed under chapter 743 from application of this statute.

Ranks the new offense at Level 4 on the Criminal Punishment Code's offense severity ranking chart as a third-degree felony.

Effective date: October 1, 2022.