Legal Question in Constitutional Law in Florida

What is the federal law on underage dating?

I have a friend, he's 15, and he's dating someone who is 29. They haven't had sex or anything, and his parents are ok with it as long as the two of them are chaperoned by either or both parents. Is it illegal for them to see each other? Because some neighbor went to the police and now this woman and family could be in a lot of trouble, but nothing sexual has taken place. What can be done in this situation?


Asked on 7/08/07, 10:02 am

2 Answers from Attorneys
Edward Hoffman Law Offices of Edward A. Hoffman

Re: What is the federal law on underage dating?

The idea of a 29-year-old dating a 15-year-old is unnerving but, as long as they are not having sex, the law does not forbid it. Even if the state wanted to outlaw such conduct, it would be very difficult to write a statute which defines "dating" in a way that would pass Constitutional muster.

And FYI, this is purely an issue of state law issue, not federal.

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Answered on 7/08/07, 5:02 pm
Johm Smith tom's

Re: What is the federal law on underage dating?

Mr. Hoffman is of course correct. But the authorities can still make life very difficult for them. This is not a socially accepted age match because a 15 year old is a minor, too young to make mature decisions. The 29 year old is arguably making in appropriate decisions in this case because she should know that a 15 year old is not a mature adult, which is what she should reasonably be looking for.

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Answered on 7/08/07, 7:08 pm


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