Florida legal term
Lewdness in Florida Criminal Law
Current through 2026 Florida legislative session
In Florida criminal law, “Lewdness” is a term defined by statute rather than by its everyday meaning. Its statutory definition — quoted verbatim below — controls how the term is applied throughout the Florida criminal code.
What does “Lewdness” mean in Florida criminal law?
“Lewdness” means any indecent or obscene act.(d) “Prostitution” means the giving or receiving of the body for sexual activity for hire but excludes sexual activity between spouses.(e) “Sexual activity” means oral, anal, or female genital penetration by, or union with, the sexual organ of another; anal or female genital penetration of another by any other object; or the handling or fondling of the sexual organ of another for the purpose of masturbation; however, the term does not include acts done for bona fide medical purposes. (Fla. Stat. § 796.07)
Statutes defining or using this term
Charges using this term
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.