Back to all crimes
Florida Criminal Offense

Harmful Communication to a Minor

An adult's harmful pattern of explicit and detailed sexual communication to a minor.

FelonyThird Degree

Florida Statute

§ 847.01385

Harmful communication to a minor

Quick Summary

Confirm adult status, a pattern of communication to a minor, explicit detailed sexual content, and that the communication is harmful to minors.

Elements of the Offense

  1. Element 1

    The defendant was an adult who engaged in a pattern of communication to a minor.

    Plain language: There must be an adult and a pattern, not an isolated communication.

  2. Element 2

    The pattern included explicit and detailed verbal descriptions or narrative accounts of sexual activity, sexual conduct, or sexual excitement that were harmful to minors.

    Plain language: Confirm both the explicit detailed sexual content and harmful-to-minors requirement.

Important Definitions

Communication

Any verbal or written communication.

Additional Notes

Quick Reference

Confirm an adult, a pattern of communication to a minor, explicit detailed sexual content, and harmful-to-minors content.

Age and Consent Are Not Defenses

The statute excludes ignorance or misrepresentation of a minor's age, a bona fide belief of age, and the minor's consent as defenses.