Fla. Stat. 794.021
Ignorance or belief as to victim’s age no defense

When, in this chapter, the criminality of conduct depends upon the victim’s being below a certain specified age, ignorance of the age is no defense. Neither shall misrepresentation of age by such person nor a bona fide belief that such person is over the specified age be a defense.

Source: Section 794.021 — Ignorance or belief as to victim’s age no defense, https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2024/0794.021 (accessed Aug. 7, 2025).

794.02
Common-law presumption relating to age abolished 794.03
Unlawful to publish or broadcast information identifying sexual offense victim 794.05
Unlawful sexual activity with certain minors 794.005
Legislative findings and intent as to basic charge of sexual battery 794.08
Female genital mutilation 794.09
Forfeiture of retirement benefits 794.011
Sexual battery 794.021
Ignorance or belief as to victim’s age no defense 794.022
Rules of evidence 794.023
Sexual battery by multiple perpetrators 794.024
Unlawful to disclose identifying information 794.026
Civil right of action for communicating the identity of a sexual crime victim 794.027
Duty to report sexual battery 794.051
Indecent, lewd, or lascivious touching of certain minors 794.052
Sexual battery 794.053
Lewd or lascivious written solicitation of certain minors 794.055
Access to services for victims of sexual battery 794.056
Rape Crisis Program Trust Fund 794.075
Sexual predators 794.0115
Dangerous sexual felony offender 794.0235
Administration of medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) to persons convicted of sexual battery

Current through Fall 2025

§ 794.021. Ignorance or belief as to victim’s age no defense's source at flsenate.gov

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Location: https://florida.public.law/statutes/fla._stat._794.021

Original Source: Section 794.021 — Ignorance or belief as to victim’s age no defense, https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2024/0794.021 (last accessed Aug. 7, 2025).