Florida criminal charge
Luring or enticing a child in Florida
Luring or enticing a child is a criminal offense under Florida law, defined by Fla. Stat. § 787.025. Its classification is not fixed: Florida assigns a different penalty class depending on the circumstances of the offense. The class that applies — and the sentencing range that follows from it — depends on which statutory variant fits the facts.
Defined by Fla. Stat. § 787.025.
What is the penalty for luring or enticing a child in Florida?
| Penalty | Range | Basis | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jail / prison | up to 5 years (Luring or enticing a child — first offense — A person 18 or older intentionally lures or entices, or attempts to lure or entice, a child under 14 into or out of a structure, dwelling, or conveyance for other than a lawful purpose.) | discretionary | Fla. Stat. § 775.082 |
| Fine | up to $5,000 (Luring or enticing a child — first offense — A person 18 or older intentionally lures or entices, or attempts to lure or entice, a child under 14 into or out of a structure, dwelling, or conveyance for other than a lawful purpose.; or up to double the pecuniary gain/loss (s. 775.083(1)(f)); statutes may authorize higher (s. 775.083(1)(g))) | discretionary | Fla. Stat. § 775.082 |
| Jail / prison | up to 15 years (Luring or enticing a child — prior conviction under (2)(a) — A person 18 or older who has a prior conviction for violating paragraph (a) again intentionally lures or entices, or attempts to lure or entice, a child under 14 into or out of a structure, dwelling, or conveyance for other than a lawful purpose.) | discretionary | Fla. Stat. § 775.082 |
| Fine | up to $10,000 (Luring or enticing a child — prior conviction under (2)(a) — A person 18 or older who has a prior conviction for violating paragraph (a) again intentionally lures or entices, or attempts to lure or entice, a child under 14 into or out of a structure, dwelling, or conveyance for other than a lawful purpose.; or up to double the pecuniary gain/loss (s. 775.083(1)(f)); statutes may authorize higher (s. 775.083(1)(g))) | discretionary | Fla. Stat. § 775.082 |
| Jail / prison | up to 15 years (Luring or enticing a child — prior sexual offense conviction — A person 18 or older who has a prior conviction under chapter 794, s. 800.04, or s. 847.0135(5), or a similar law of another jurisdiction, intentionally lures or entices, or attempts to lure or entice, a child under 14 into or out of a structure, dwelling, or conveyance for other than a lawful purpose.) | discretionary | Fla. Stat. § 775.082 |
| Fine | up to $10,000 (Luring or enticing a child — prior sexual offense conviction — A person 18 or older who has a prior conviction under chapter 794, s. 800.04, or s. 847.0135(5), or a similar law of another jurisdiction, intentionally lures or entices, or attempts to lure or entice, a child under 14 into or out of a structure, dwelling, or conveyance for other than a lawful purpose.; or up to double the pecuniary gain/loss (s. 775.083(1)(f)); statutes may authorize higher (s. 775.083(1)(g))) | discretionary | Fla. Stat. § 775.082 |
Applies to current (2025 Florida Statutes).
How is luring or enticing a child classified in Florida?
The classification depends on the circumstances:
| Variant | Classification | When it applies | Statute |
|---|---|---|---|
| Luring or enticing a child — first offense | Felony of the Third Degree | A person 18 or older intentionally lures or entices, or attempts to lure or entice, a child under 14 into or out of a structure, dwelling, or conveyance for other than a lawful purpose. | Fla. Stat. § 787.025(2)(a) |
| Luring or enticing a child — prior conviction under (2)(a) | Felony of the Second Degree | A person 18 or older who has a prior conviction for violating paragraph (a) again intentionally lures or entices, or attempts to lure or entice, a child under 14 into or out of a structure, dwelling, or conveyance for other than a lawful purpose. | Fla. Stat. § 787.025(2)(b) |
| Luring or enticing a child — prior sexual offense conviction | Felony of the Second Degree | A person 18 or older who has a prior conviction under chapter 794, s. 800.04, or s. 847.0135(5), or a similar law of another jurisdiction, intentionally lures or entices, or attempts to lure or entice, a child under 14 into or out of a structure, dwelling, or conveyance for other than a lawful purpose. | Fla. Stat. § 787.025(2)(c) |
Common questions about luring or enticing a child in Florida
Is luring or enticing a child a felony or a misdemeanor in Florida?
It depends on the circumstances: luring or enticing a child ranges from a Felony of the Third Degree to a Felony of the Second Degree in Florida under Fla. Stat. § 787.025.
Luring or enticing a child — first offense: Felony of the Third Degree (Fla. Stat. § 787.025(2)(a)) · Luring or enticing a child — prior conviction under (2)(a): Felony of the Second Degree (Fla. Stat. § 787.025(2)(b)) · Luring or enticing a child — prior sexual offense conviction: Felony of the Second Degree (Fla. Stat. § 787.025(2)(c))
What are the penalties for luring or enticing a child in Florida?
Penalties for luring or enticing a child in Florida depend on how it is classified — from a Felony of the Third Degree up to a Felony of the Second Degree — with the ranges set by Fla. Stat. § 775.082; the full table of ranges by variant is published on this page.
Which Florida statute covers luring or enticing a child?
Luring or enticing a child is governed by Fla. Stat. § 787.025 (Luring or enticing a child).
Legal terms used in this law
This reference is informational and is not legal advice. Penalty ranges are the statutory classification ranges; sentencing in a specific case depends on its facts and history.