Florida Nudity Laws

Title: Florida Nudity Laws
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Date Posted：01/17/2009 11:01:35Copy HTML

Sorry for the long post but thought some members might be interested in this topic.

FLORIDA Title XLVI
Crimes Chapter 800
Lewdness; Indecent Exposure

800.02 Unnatural and lascivious act. A person who commits any unnatural and lascivious act with another person commits a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083. A mother's breastfeeding of her baby does not under any circumstance violate this section.

History.--s. 1, ch. 7361, 1917; RGS 5425; CGL 7568; s. 778, ch. 71-136; s. 2, ch. 93-4.
__________________________________ 800.03 Exposure of sexual organs. It is unlawful to expose or exhibit one's sexual organs in public or on the private premises of another, or so near thereto as to be seen from such private premises, in a vulgar or indecent manner, or to be naked in public except in any place provided or set apart for that purpose. Violation of this section is a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083. A mother's breastfeeding of her baby does not under any circumstance violate this section.

History.--s. 1, ch. 7360, 1917; RGS 5445; CGL 7588; s. 1, ch. 61-51; s. 779, ch. 71-136; s. 3, ch. 93-4.
__________________________________ [NAC NOTE 1: Courts have held that simple non-lewd nudity does not constitute the "vulgar or indecent manner" required for conviction under Florida Statute 800.03. Some challenged convictions under 800.03 have been thrown out. Authorities have increasingly turned to the use of Florida's disorderly conduct statute (877.03) as a means of restricting simple nudity. SEE NAC NOTE 2.]
800.04 Lewd or lascivious offenses committed upon or in the presence of persons less than 16 years of age.

(1) DEFINITIONS.--As used in this section: (a) "Sexual activity" means the oral, anal, or vaginal penetration by, or union with, the sexual organ of another or the anal or vaginal penetration of another by any other object; however, sexual activity does not include an act done for a bona fide medical purpose.

(b) "Consent" means intelligent, knowing, and voluntary consent, and does not include submission by coercion.

(c) "Coercion" means the use of exploitation, bribes, threats of force, or intimidation to gain cooperation or compliance.

(d) "Victim" means a person upon whom an offense described in this section was committed or attempted or a person who has reported a violation of this section to a law enforcement officer. (2) PROHIBITED DEFENSES.--Neither the victim's lack of chastity nor the victim's consent is a defense to the crimes proscribed by this section.

(3) IGNORANCE OR BELIEF OF VICTIM'S AGE.--The perpetrator's ignorance of the victim's age, the victim's misrepresentation of his or her age, or the perpetrator's bona fide belief of the victim's age cannot be raised as a defense in a prosecution under this section.

(4) LEWD OR LASCIVIOUS BATTERY.--A person who: (a) Engages in sexual activity with a person 12 years of age or older but less than 16 years of age; or

(b) Encourages, forces, or entices any person less than 16 years of age to engage in sadomasochistic abuse, sexual bestiality, prostitution, or any other act involving sexual activity

commits lewd or lascivious battery, a felony of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084. (5) LEWD OR LASCIVIOUS MOLESTATION.-- (a) A person who intentionally touches in a lewd or lascivious manner the breasts, genitals, genital area, or buttocks, or the clothing covering them, of a person less than 16 years of age, or forces or entices a person under 16 years of age to so touch the perpetrator, commits lewd or lascivious molestation.

(b) An offender 18 years of age or older who commits lewd or lascivious molestation against a victim less than 12 years of age commits a felony of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.

(c)1. An offender less than 18 years of age who commits lewd or lascivious molestation against a victim less than 12 years of age; or

2. An offender 18 years of age or older who commits lewd or lascivious molestation against a victim 12 years of age or older but less than 16 years of age commits a felony of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084. (d) An offender less than 18 years of age who commits lewd or lascivious molestation against a victim 12 years of age or older but less than 16 years of age commits a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084. (6) LEWD OR LASCIVIOUS CONDUCT.-- (a) A person who: 1. Intentionally touches a person under 16 years of age in a lewd or lascivious manner; or

2. Solicits a person under 16 years of age to commit a lewd or lascivious act

commits lewd or lascivious conduct. (b) An offender 18 years of age or older who commits lewd or lascivious conduct commits a felony of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.

(c) An offender less than 18 years of age who commits lewd or lascivious conduct commits a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084. (7) LEWD OR LASCIVIOUS EXHIBITION.-- (a) A person who: 1. Intentionally masturbates;

2. Intentionally exposes the genitals in a lewd or lascivious manner; or

3. Intentionally commits any other sexual act that does not involve actual physical or sexual contact with the victim, including, but not limited to, sadomasochistic abuse, sexual bestiality, or the simulation of any act involving sexual activity

in the presence of a victim who is less than 16 years of age, commits lewd or lascivious exhibition. (b) A person who: 1. Intentionally masturbates;

2. Intentionally exposes the genitals in a lewd or lascivious manner; or

3. Intentionally commits any other sexual act that does not involve actual physical or sexual contact with the victim, including, but not limited to, sadomasochistic abuse, sexual bestiality, or the simulation of any act involving sexual activity

live over a computer on-line service, Internet service, or local bulletin board service and who knows or should know or has reason to believe that the transmission is viewed on a computer or television monitor by a victim in this state who is less than 16 years of age, commits lewd or lascivious exhibition. The fact that an undercover operative or law enforcement officer was involved in the detection and investigation of an offense under this paragraph shall not constitute a defense to a prosecution under this paragraph. (c) An offender 18 years of age or older who commits a lewd or lascivious exhibition commits a felony of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.

(d) An offender less than 18 years of age who commits a lewd or lascivious exhibition commits a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084. (8) EXCEPTION.--A mother's breastfeeding of her baby does not under any circumstance constitute a violation of this section. History.--s. 1, ch. 21974, 1943; s. 1, ch. 26580, 1951; s. 780, ch. 71-136; s. 66, ch. 74-383; s. 1, ch. 75-24; s. 40, ch. 75-298; s. 291, ch. 79-400; s. 5, ch. 84-86; s. 1, ch. 90-120; s. 5, ch. 93-4; s. 6, ch. 99-201; s. 1, ch. 2000-246.
__________________________________ Title XLVI
Crimes Chapter 877
Miscellaneous Crimes

877.03 Breach of the peace; disorderly conduct. Whoever commits such acts as are of a nature to corrupt the public morals, or outrage the sense of public decency, or affect the peace and quiet of persons who may witness them, or engages in brawling or fighting, or engages in such conduct as to constitute a breach of the peace or disorderly conduct, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.

History.--s. 1, ch. 59-325; s. 1147, ch. 71-136; s. 2, ch. 86-174.
__________________________________
[NAC NOTE 2: Th e successful 1999 appeal of Kayla Sosnow, who had been convicted under 877.03 for being topfree, casts official doubt on the use of 877.03 as a means of prohibiting nudity and other behavior where there is no complainant. SEE NAC NOTE 1.]
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Re：Florida Nudity Laws

Date Posted：04/25/2009 10:15:41Copy HTML

Therefore is it perfectly legal to appear in a g string or strapless pouch on the street of any city in the state of Florida?  

Re：Florida Nudity Laws

Date Posted：04/26/2009 11:36:27Copy HTML

 No, at least three problems,

These are the State Statutes. Many counties and/or municipalities have their own laws that apply to them and can be very restrictive.

With a complainant, 877.03 is easy to use. (In the middle of town, you can bet a complainant will be easy to attract).

The State Parks are a separate jurisdiction and require that the entire buttocks be covered with a fully opaque covering.

In other words, check the posts here before walking anywhere in Florida clad only in a g-string. OK in South Beach not OK in some other locations.

Re：Florida Nudity Laws

Date Posted：02/11/2020 02:31:41Copy HTML

New Fla Bill may toughen nudity enforcement- officer doesn't need to witness

https://www.browardpalmbeach.com/news/florida-indecent-exposure-laws-new-bill-could-make-nudity-a-felony-in-2020-10532398

Re：Florida Nudity Laws

Date Posted：02/11/2020 10:27:38Copy HTML

Ironically that story they start with about the chick getting naked in Johnny Rocketts on Ocean Drive isn't there anymore - it's a CVS where everyone buys their condoms!

Re：Florida Nudity Laws

Date Posted：06/28/2020 04:32:38Copy HTML

I was just noticing that Florida SB850 "died in rules" committee in March.  
The law specifically said that exposure of sexual organs at clothing optional beaches etc was not illegal.

I don't think this would have made it easier to designate areas to meet that criteria.  That's what's needed!

Now that Blind Creek is designated that's I think the third (or fourth) place.  I count Haulover, Playalinda/ Apollo as one or two and now Blind Creek.  Aside from the political capital and a few bucks they could set up zones in a few National Parks , County Parks that already have isolation and really no one would care!

Re：Florida Nudity Laws

Date Posted：01/28/2021 03:15:30Copy HTML

A few years ago, I called the Lee County Florida Sheriff's office to ask about thongs and g-strings in public (not State parks which, forbid them). A nice girl answered the phone and she didn't know the answer so, she asked some officers there at the station and after a while, she got back to me and said that "Only the genitals have to be covered up, somewhat." --her exact words. So, a thong, g-string, or pouch was fine just about anywhere except the state parks.

Re：Florida Nudity Laws

Date Posted：01/28/2021 05:06:43Copy HTML

It depends on State, County AND City laws.

Re：Florida Nudity Laws

Date Posted：06/18/2025 07:23:19Copy HTML

Here's a newspaper piece on nude sun bathing in Florida.

https://www.miamiherald.com/news/state/florida/article308772990.html

Re：Florida Nudity Laws

Date Posted：06/20/2025 05:01:09Copy HTML

Thx for the link. Of course there are city and county ordinances to consider. Moreover, while simple nude subathing probably doesn't qualify as indecent exposure under FL state law it could be deemed disorderly conduct.

Re：Florida Nudity Laws

Date Posted：05/28/2026 05:02:56Copy HTML

Everyone should consider the "intent to shock" statements in the nudity laws.  So if you're legit acting normal getting a tan and something might be visible you're not there to shock people.  If you're wearing an "exposure your" suit then that looks like you planned to shock folks.   With that said exposure your on a nude beach isn't shocking- everyone has theirs exposed!

Re：Florida Nudity Laws

Date Posted：05/28/2026 05:54:16Copy HTML

"intent to shock" is not part of the legal definition. Intent can be what you personally intend, but can also be shown by one's actions, independent of your opinion. 

Under Florida law, intent is generally inferred from a person's conduct, actions, and surrounding circumstances rather than stated directly. The legal principle that actions speak louder than words. 

This principle dictates how intent is evaluated across several areas of the Florida Statutes.

So if you go out nude in public and were not escaping a burning building, the law will assume you intended to do so.  If your intentional action results in someone being shocked the 'elements' of the crime are there. 

Second:  As others have noted above, in Florida the laws in local jurisdictions vary wildly !!

As a general rule, if are on public property or can be seen by others outside your property then you probably should be wearing a thong. 

A covering thong solves the problem! - That said even thongs are banned in parts of Florida.

Re：Florida Nudity Laws

Date Posted：05/28/2026 06:16:14Copy HTML

Jurisdiction matters.  I recalled this news story from a few years ago.  
https://abc7chicago.com/post/naked-florida-man-doing-yard-work-angers-neighbors/4294875/

Re：Florida Nudity Laws

Date Posted：05/29/2026 02:41:48Copy HTML

Well let's hear from a real lawyer in Florida - note the last line of this section

State Law Overview
Florida Statute §800.03 makes it a crime to expose or exhibit sexual organs in a public place, or to be naked in public, in a vulgar, indecent, lewd, or lascivious manner.

A first violation is generally a first-degree misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail and fines. Subsequent offenses can be charged as felonies.

Importantly, Florida courts have made clear that mere nudity alone is not enough. The State must prove lewd or indecent intent.

https://zimmermanandzimmerman.com/floridas-public-nudity-laws-what-you-need-to-know/

Re：Florida Nudity Laws

Date Posted：05/29/2026 07:44:41Copy HTML

Here's a new Florida arrest: Lipstick, thong-wearing Hollywood senior says he has ‘right’ to flash exasperated neighbors: Cops.

Admittedly, he is pretty peculiar, but I fear that we are also considered peculiar (if not to his extreme). Yeah, there are good stories on here about interactions with others, but I wonder (and am concerned about) folks who are bothered by the thong wearing but just haven't said anything. And while the story says he exposed himself, by including the bit about his answering the door in a G-string, I also wonder if his genitals were ever exposed at all (maybe poor journalism).

Re：Florida Nudity Laws

Date Posted：05/29/2026 02:26:06Copy HTML

I also saw several reports of this arrest...and the guy has done it before.  This is the definition of "intent to shock" with exposure- what the language of the law discusses.  I haven't posted anything about this case because everything I post that might be negative to thongwearing gets deleted.

Re：Florida Nudity Laws

Date Posted：05/29/2026 09:08:45Copy HTML

I don't see where you are getting the "intent to shock" from? He was in the apartment complex naked because he had "a right to walk around naked". And then the people responded by harassing him, to which he took exception with what they are calling lewd gestures.

I know what you get away with near a beach, but I am concerned about back yards and apartment complexes. I worry (for myself even wearing a thong in my back yard to mow the law) that it pisses (enough) people off that I find it a powerful disincentive.

And backing up further in the thread, where Zimmerman Law is linked to, here's their list of illegal nude activities, which clearly includes  things without an "intent to shock":

    Nude sunbathing on non-designated public beaches.

    Nudity in parks, streets, sidewalks, or businesses not designated for nudity.

The assumption is, when exposing ones genitals (the way you often report on), is that that includes an intent to shock.

Re：Florida Nudity Laws

Date Posted：05/30/2026 12:48:57Copy HTML

State Law Overview
Florida Statute §800.03 makes it a crime to expose or exhibit sexual organs in a public place, or to be naked in public,**** in a vulgar, indecent, lewd, or lascivious manner**.

A first violation is generally a first-degree misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail and fines. Subsequent offenses can be charged as felonies.

Importantly, Florida courts have made clear that mere nudity alone is not enough.**** The State must prove lewd or indecent intent.***

Max   Just look at the emphasized phrases!!  This guy mentioned meets ALL the criteria!

Re：Florida Nudity Laws

Date Posted：05/30/2026 02:20:33Copy HTML

There were two things here I was trying to get across.

The first, unrelated to the arrest, was just that, even though many here talk about how their neighborhood is accepting of their thongs, there may be a lot of resentment of them that we/they are unaware of (just look at how the article mentions the g-string in the same vein as his nudity). I worry about whether we are fooling ourselves regarding acceptance (particularly not on a beach).

The second is about the arrest and the law. Yes, I agree that he crossed over into "lewd". However, you use the words "intent to shock". That is not in any statute. Furthermore, and this is important, you/we cannot rely on that Zimmerman Law statement on public nudity. The example I gave was, if "the State must prove lewd or indecent intent," then why does that article specifically say "Nudity in parks, streets, sidewalks, or businesses not designated for nudity?" There is NO lewd or indecent intent there. Want to test it? Try walking down Ocean Blvd. completely nude.

It's been a while since I was involved with NAC, so I apologize for not realizing this sooner (and this is what Zimmerman left out) and including it:

What is pertinent here is not Section 800.3 (Exposure of Sexual Organs) but Section 877.03 (Disorderly Conduct), which says that disorderly conduct is an act "of a nature to corrupt the public morals, or outrage the sense of public decency, . . ." That is the statute generally used to punish public nudity (including women's toplessness). See, for instance, Goodmasters v. State (1981) and Moffett v. State (1977).

Those words are why Zimmerman includes as illegal "nude sunbathing on non-designated public beaches." The presumption is that "the sense of public decency" is not outraged by nudity on a nude-designated beach. That is also why toplessness is OK on South Beach; it is expected there.

I'll add that some of the stuff you wear is untested in court--if arrested, I suspect it could go either way (depending specifically where you are.)

Re：Florida Nudity Laws

Date Posted：05/30/2026 03:27:32Copy HTML

I think Maxtlatl is , as we say in legal briefs, "on point".  While saying "the State must prove lewd or indecent intent", the court will often infer 'intent' from 'action', or lack of it.
 
If you wear too little in public, at a place and time when a reasonable person would presume others would be shocked, the court will probably infer you did so deliberately.  

A presumption you might be able to rebut by showing you were fleeing a burning building. But just arguing "I did not intend to be indecent" will not overcome the courts reasonable inference from your direct actions. 

That said, I regularly wear very little but do keep the junk covered. I don't wear g-strings that fail to fully cover the shaft and balls.  

If wearing something somewhat tanthrough I try to make sure it is highly camouflaged. Camouflage by bright neon irregular patterns or other strong camouflage.  I test in front of a mirror, both front and side angles, remembering things light up in direct sunlight or when in silhouette. 

In the same way the law infers intent through action, your action and body language speak louder than words. So just keep your junk covered and just act normal. 

If you are acting normal then people will overlook your wearing a thong or g-string. As soon as you act weird or furtive instinctively hackles will rise.

Re：Florida Nudity Laws

Date Posted：06/01/2026 07:21:24Copy HTML

As JM said, it's never "Oh I was minding my own business tanning in my thong and was arrested!" There's always more to it. 

It's more like "Oh I was minding my own business tanning in my thong and..."

- Masturbating/pleasuring myself
- Using a sex toy
- Making an overt sexual display

And THEN they get arrested. 

Of course you will. Apparently this guy in the story was flashing his member in Ring doorbells, taunting/flashing people, etc. 

99.9999% of the time, if you're wearing a thong, minding your own business. The worst that is going to happen is they will ask you to cover up or leave. Then if you resist that request or make an issue, you might get arrested. Most of the cops I know, and our friends who are cops confirmed this, they have no desire to arrest someone for wearing a thong and spend the rest of the day doing paperwork as a result.

Re：Florida Nudity Laws

Date Posted：06/01/2026 09:25:23Copy HTML

Well, there IS DirtyBirdOH (on this forum, or at least he was) who was jogging in cheeky shorts in Delaware County remember. He was also wearing a coverlet, but his bare butt cheeks were sticking out below it.

He was tackled by the police, thrown to the ground and charged with public indecency. He almost went to trial, but in the end plead out to avoid all the hassle.

Re：Florida Nudity Laws

Date Posted：06/02/2026 01:36:11Copy HTML

I won't dispute the validity of that. I will say location and time period are key factors. 20 years ago? Yes, maybe that could have happened. In a conservative location? Even more plausible. However, in this day and age that is exceedingly rare if not unheard of. Cops can barely enforce legit crime in some locations without fear of losing their job and/or prosecution. To say they are going to risk their career and freedom getting into an altercation with someone over wearing a thong? Not happening. 

One of my friends is a cop in a beach town where we live. We were talking one day about our thongs. He said rarely, have they ever, had to approach someone for indecent exposure. He said when they have? It's been something egregious like full public nudity or lewdness. And he said it's never someone just tanning. College kids streaking, folks having sex in public, and lewd acts of that variety. He said if anything, him and his buddies all fight for the beach/boardwalk patrol jobs to admire the "scenery."

Re：Florida Nudity Laws

Date Posted：06/03/2026 06:05:00Copy HTML

To whoever can answer , i was reading visa0061 post, especially last part.
Wearing a thong, that fully covers genitals, not sheer or transparent, without any other more (no touching themselves, no toys ...) is illegal or not in public place? 
* If legal, police officer can't say anything, can't ask to cover, can't ask to move and can't arrest you if you refuse it. And no paperwork to do by them, more IMHO patrol needn't to intervene if someone calls because there's someone in thong 
* If illegal they have to come and restore legality in accordance with operative policies. 

How they can ask you to cover or leave if not illegal? I'm from another country so maybe something missing?

Re：Florida Nudity Laws

Date Posted：06/03/2026 09:55:41Copy HTML

Andrea12 - Depends on the exact location, park city, county etc.  Each can have different rules.
And, even if not arrested for nudity it is possible to have a breach of the peace charge.

A possible arrest also depends on how you act, both before and after an encounter with authorities. 
A quiet sober white guy who agrees to cover-up when asked is less likely to get greif than a loud or drunk person insisting on their 'sovereign citizen' rights. 

I live in Fort Lauderdale and wear a thong on the beach and while padding around the waterways. Never a problem from the authorities.  Once in a whie some redneck will say something rude, but mostly I get very positive reactions.
When going to the supermarket or bar I will cover up with micro shorts.  I get some odd looks but also some warm smiles. 

If there is a complaint almost never is it accurate.  People say something like "nude man".  In which case the police will come out but will just look from a distance, check you are actually wearing a thong and then buzz-off.  

Because of a broken ankle I can no longer run.  However when I was running on the beach sand several days a week I was told the police dispatcher would ask if the tourist if they could see a thong or g-string, inform the caller that was not illegal, and then nix the call.

swflaguy
	Date Posted：01/17/2009 11:01:35Copy HTML Sorry for the long post but thought some members might be interested in this topic. FLORIDA Title XLVI Crimes Chapter 800 Lewdness; Indecent Exposure 800.02 Unnatural and lascivious act. A person who commits any unnatural and lascivious act with another person commits a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083. A mother's breastfeeding of her baby does not under any circumstance violate this section. History.--s. 1, ch. 7361, 1917; RGS 5425; CGL 7568; s. 778, ch. 71-136; s. 2, ch. 93-4. __________________________________ 800.03 Exposure of sexual organs. It is unlawful to expose or exhibit one's sexual organs in public or on the private premises of another, or so near thereto as to be seen from such private premises, in a vulgar or indecent manner, or to be naked in public except in any place provided or set apart for that purpose. Violation of this section is a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083. A mother's breastfeeding of her baby does not under any circumstance violate this section. History.--s. 1, ch. 7360, 1917; RGS 5445; CGL 7588; s. 1, ch. 61-51; s. 779, ch. 71-136; s. 3, ch. 93-4. __________________________________ [NAC NOTE 1: Courts have held that simple non-lewd nudity does not constitute the "vulgar or indecent manner" required for conviction under Florida Statute 800.03. Some challenged convictions under 800.03 have been thrown out. Authorities have increasingly turned to the use of Florida's disorderly conduct statute (877.03) as a means of restricting simple nudity. SEE NAC NOTE 2.] 800.04 Lewd or lascivious offenses committed upon or in the presence of persons less than 16 years of age. (1) DEFINITIONS.--As used in this section: (a) "Sexual activity" means the oral, anal, or vaginal penetration by, or union with, the sexual organ of another or the anal or vaginal penetration of another by any other object; however, sexual activity does not include an act done for a bona fide medical purpose. (b) "Consent" means intelligent, knowing, and voluntary consent, and does not include submission by coercion. (c) "Coercion" means the use of exploitation, bribes, threats of force, or intimidation to gain cooperation or compliance. (d) "Victim" means a person upon whom an offense described in this section was committed or attempted or a person who has reported a violation of this section to a law enforcement officer. (2) PROHIBITED DEFENSES.--Neither the victim's lack of chastity nor the victim's consent is a defense to the crimes proscribed by this section. (3) IGNORANCE OR BELIEF OF VICTIM'S AGE.--The perpetrator's ignorance of the victim's age, the victim's misrepresentation of his or her age, or the perpetrator's bona fide belief of the victim's age cannot be raised as a defense in a prosecution under this section. (4) LEWD OR LASCIVIOUS BATTERY.--A person who: (a) Engages in sexual activity with a person 12 years of age or older but less than 16 years of age; or (b) Encourages, forces, or entices any person less than 16 years of age to engage in sadomasochistic abuse, sexual bestiality, prostitution, or any other act involving sexual activity commits lewd or lascivious battery, a felony of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084. (5) LEWD OR LASCIVIOUS MOLESTATION.-- (a) A person who intentionally touches in a lewd or lascivious manner the breasts, genitals, genital area, or buttocks, or the clothing covering them, of a person less than 16 years of age, or forces or entices a person under 16 years of age to so touch the perpetrator, commits lewd or lascivious molestation. (b) An offender 18 years of age or older who commits lewd or lascivious molestation against a victim less than 12 years of age commits a felony of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084. (c)1. An offender less than 18 years of age who commits lewd or lascivious molestation against a victim less than 12 years of age; or 2. An offender 18 years of age or older who commits lewd or lascivious molestation against a victim 12 years of age or older but less than 16 years of age commits a felony of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084. (d) An offender less than 18 years of age who commits lewd or lascivious molestation against a victim 12 years of age or older but less than 16 years of age commits a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084. (6) LEWD OR LASCIVIOUS CONDUCT.-- (a) A person who: 1. Intentionally touches a person under 16 years of age in a lewd or lascivious manner; or 2. Solicits a person under 16 years of age to commit a lewd or lascivious act commits lewd or lascivious conduct. (b) An offender 18 years of age or older who commits lewd or lascivious conduct commits a felony of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084. (c) An offender less than 18 years of age who commits lewd or lascivious conduct commits a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084. (7) LEWD OR LASCIVIOUS EXHIBITION.-- (a) A person who: 1. Intentionally masturbates; 2. Intentionally exposes the genitals in a lewd or lascivious manner; or 3. Intentionally commits any other sexual act that does not involve actual physical or sexual contact with the victim, including, but not limited to, sadomasochistic abuse, sexual bestiality, or the simulation of any act involving sexual activity in the presence of a victim who is less than 16 years of age, commits lewd or lascivious exhibition. (b) A person who: 1. Intentionally masturbates; 2. Intentionally exposes the genitals in a lewd or lascivious manner; or 3. Intentionally commits any other sexual act that does not involve actual physical or sexual contact with the victim, including, but not limited to, sadomasochistic abuse, sexual bestiality, or the simulation of any act involving sexual activity live over a computer on-line service, Internet service, or local bulletin board service and who knows or should know or has reason to believe that the transmission is viewed on a computer or television monitor by a victim in this state who is less than 16 years of age, commits lewd or lascivious exhibition. The fact that an undercover operative or law enforcement officer was involved in the detection and investigation of an offense under this paragraph shall not constitute a defense to a prosecution under this paragraph. (c) An offender 18 years of age or older who commits a lewd or lascivious exhibition commits a felony of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084. (d) An offender less than 18 years of age who commits a lewd or lascivious exhibition commits a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084. (8) EXCEPTION.--A mother's breastfeeding of her baby does not under any circumstance constitute a violation of this section. History.--s. 1, ch. 21974, 1943; s. 1, ch. 26580, 1951; s. 780, ch. 71-136; s. 66, ch. 74-383; s. 1, ch. 75-24; s. 40, ch. 75-298; s. 291, ch. 79-400; s. 5, ch. 84-86; s. 1, ch. 90-120; s. 5, ch. 93-4; s. 6, ch. 99-201; s. 1, ch. 2000-246. __________________________________ Title XLVI Crimes Chapter 877 Miscellaneous Crimes 877.03 Breach of the peace; disorderly conduct. Whoever commits such acts as are of a nature to corrupt the public morals, or outrage the sense of public decency, or affect the peace and quiet of persons who may witness them, or engages in brawling or fighting, or engages in such conduct as to constitute a breach of the peace or disorderly conduct, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083. History.--s. 1, ch. 59-325; s. 1147, ch. 71-136; s. 2, ch. 86-174. __________________________________ [NAC NOTE 2: Th e successful 1999 appeal of Kayla Sosnow, who had been convicted under 877.03 for being topfree, casts official doubt on the use of 877.03 as a means of prohibiting nudity and other behavior where there is no complainant. SEE NAC NOTE 1.] \| Return to top \| View state summary: Florida \| NAC Home Page \|
BermudaJazz	#1
	Re：Florida Nudity Laws Date Posted：04/25/2009 10:15:41Copy HTML Therefore is it perfectly legal to appear in a g string or strapless pouch on the street of any city in the state of Florida?
bmicro	#2
	Re：Florida Nudity Laws Date Posted：04/26/2009 11:36:27Copy HTML No, at least three problems, These are the State Statutes. Many counties and/or municipalities have their own laws that apply to them and can be very restrictive. With a complainant, 877.03 is easy to use. (In the middle of town, you can bet a complainant will be easy to attract). The State Parks are a separate jurisdiction and require that the entire buttocks be covered with a fully opaque covering. In other words, check the posts here before walking anywhere in Florida clad only in a g-string. OK in South Beach not OK in some other locations.
sailor250	#3
	Re：Florida Nudity Laws Date Posted：02/11/2020 02:31:41Copy HTML New Fla Bill may toughen nudity enforcement- officer doesn't need to witness https://www.browardpalmbeach.com/news/florida-indecent-exposure-laws-new-bill-could-make-nudity-a-felony-in-2020-10532398
sailor250	#4
	Re：Florida Nudity Laws Date Posted：02/11/2020 10:27:38Copy HTML Ironically that story they start with about the chick getting naked in Johnny Rocketts on Ocean Drive isn't there anymore - it's a CVS where everyone buys their condoms!
sailor250	#5
	Re：Florida Nudity Laws Date Posted：06/28/2020 04:32:38Copy HTML I was just noticing that Florida SB850 "died in rules" committee in March. The law specifically said that exposure of sexual organs at clothing optional beaches etc was not illegal. I don't think this would have made it easier to designate areas to meet that criteria. That's what's needed! Now that Blind Creek is designated that's I think the third (or fourth) place. I count Haulover, Playalinda/ Apollo as one or two and now Blind Creek. Aside from the political capital and a few bucks they could set up zones in a few National Parks , County Parks that already have isolation and really no one would care!
RandomGuy1999	#6
	Re：Florida Nudity Laws Date Posted：01/28/2021 03:15:30Copy HTML A few years ago, I called the Lee County Florida Sheriff's office to ask about thongs and g-strings in public (not State parks which, forbid them). A nice girl answered the phone and she didn't know the answer so, she asked some officers there at the station and after a while, she got back to me and said that "Only the genitals have to be covered up, somewhat." --her exact words. So, a thong, g-string, or pouch was fine just about anywhere except the state parks.
JM_Runs	#7
	Re：Florida Nudity Laws Date Posted：01/28/2021 05:06:43Copy HTML It depends on State, County AND City laws.
sailor250	#8
	Re：Florida Nudity Laws Date Posted：06/18/2025 07:23:19Copy HTML Here's a newspaper piece on nude sun bathing in Florida. https://www.miamiherald.com/news/state/florida/article308772990.html
lindros	#9
	Re：Florida Nudity Laws Date Posted：06/20/2025 05:01:09Copy HTML Thx for the link. Of course there are city and county ordinances to consider. Moreover, while simple nude subathing probably doesn't qualify as indecent exposure under FL state law it could be deemed disorderly conduct.
sailor250	#10
	Re：Florida Nudity Laws Date Posted：05/28/2026 05:02:56Copy HTML Everyone should consider the "intent to shock" statements in the nudity laws. So if you're legit acting normal getting a tan and something might be visible you're not there to shock people. If you're wearing an "exposure your" suit then that looks like you planned to shock folks. With that said exposure your on a nude beach isn't shocking- everyone has theirs exposed!
JM_Runs	#11
	Re：Florida Nudity Laws Date Posted：05/28/2026 05:54:16Copy HTML "intent to shock" is not part of the legal definition. Intent can be what you personally intend, but can also be shown by one's actions, independent of your opinion. Under Florida law, intent is generally inferred from a person's conduct, actions, and surrounding circumstances rather than stated directly. The legal principle that actions speak louder than words. This principle dictates how intent is evaluated across several areas of the Florida Statutes. So if you go out nude in public and were not escaping a burning building, the law will assume you intended to do so. If your intentional action results in someone being shocked the 'elements' of the crime are there. Second: As others have noted above, in Florida the laws in local jurisdictions vary wildly !! As a general rule, if are on public property or can be seen by others outside your property then you probably should be wearing a thong. A covering thong solves the problem! - That said even thongs are banned in parts of Florida.
Thongsrbest	#12
	Re：Florida Nudity Laws Date Posted：05/28/2026 06:16:14Copy HTML Jurisdiction matters. I recalled this news story from a few years ago. https://abc7chicago.com/post/naked-florida-man-doing-yard-work-angers-neighbors/4294875/
sailor250	#13
	Re：Florida Nudity Laws Date Posted：05/29/2026 02:41:48Copy HTML Well let's hear from a real lawyer in Florida - note the last line of this section State Law Overview Florida Statute §800.03 makes it a crime to expose or exhibit sexual organs in a public place, or to be naked in public, in a vulgar, indecent, lewd, or lascivious manner. A first violation is generally a first-degree misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail and fines. Subsequent offenses can be charged as felonies. Importantly, Florida courts have made clear that mere nudity alone is not enough. The State must prove lewd or indecent intent. https://zimmermanandzimmerman.com/floridas-public-nudity-laws-what-you-need-to-know/
Maxtlatl	#14
	Re：Florida Nudity Laws Date Posted：05/29/2026 07:44:41Copy HTML Here's a new Florida arrest: Lipstick, thong-wearing Hollywood senior says he has ‘right’ to flash exasperated neighbors: Cops. Admittedly, he is pretty peculiar, but I fear that we are also considered peculiar (if not to his extreme). Yeah, there are good stories on here about interactions with others, but I wonder (and am concerned about) folks who are bothered by the thong wearing but just haven't said anything. And while the story says he exposed himself, by including the bit about his answering the door in a G-string, I also wonder if his genitals were ever exposed at all (maybe poor journalism).
sailor250	#15
	Re：Florida Nudity Laws Date Posted：05/29/2026 02:26:06Copy HTML I also saw several reports of this arrest...and the guy has done it before. This is the definition of "intent to shock" with exposure- what the language of the law discusses. I haven't posted anything about this case because everything I post that might be negative to thongwearing gets deleted.
Maxtlatl	#16
	Re：Florida Nudity Laws Date Posted：05/29/2026 09:08:45Copy HTML I don't see where you are getting the "intent to shock" from? He was in the apartment complex naked because he had "a right to walk around naked". And then the people responded by harassing him, to which he took exception with what they are calling lewd gestures. I know what you get away with near a beach, but I am concerned about back yards and apartment complexes. I worry (for myself even wearing a thong in my back yard to mow the law) that it pisses (enough) people off that I find it a powerful disincentive. And backing up further in the thread, where Zimmerman Law is linked to, here's their list of illegal nude activities, which clearly includes things without an "intent to shock": Nude sunbathing on non-designated public beaches. Nudity in parks, streets, sidewalks, or businesses not designated for nudity. The assumption is, when exposing ones genitals (the way you often report on), is that that includes an intent to shock.
sailor250	#17
	Re：Florida Nudity Laws Date Posted：05/30/2026 12:48:57Copy HTML State Law Overview Florida Statute §800.03 makes it a crime to expose or exhibit sexual organs in a public place, or to be naked in public,** in a vulgar, indecent, lewd, or lascivious manner. A first violation is generally a first-degree misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail and fines. Subsequent offenses can be charged as felonies. Importantly, Florida courts have made clear that mere nudity alone is not enough.** The State must prove lewd or indecent intent.* Max Just look at the emphasized phrases!! This guy mentioned meets ALL the criteria!
Maxtlatl	#18
	Re：Florida Nudity Laws Date Posted：05/30/2026 02:20:33Copy HTML There were two things here I was trying to get across. The first, unrelated to the arrest, was just that, even though many here talk about how their neighborhood is accepting of their thongs, there may be a lot of resentment of them that we/they are unaware of (just look at how the article mentions the g-string in the same vein as his nudity). I worry about whether we are fooling ourselves regarding acceptance (particularly not on a beach). The second is about the arrest and the law. Yes, I agree that he crossed over into "lewd". However, you use the words "intent to shock". That is not in any statute. Furthermore, and this is important, you/we cannot rely on that Zimmerman Law statement on public nudity. The example I gave was, if "the State must prove lewd or indecent intent," then why does that article specifically say "Nudity in parks, streets, sidewalks, or businesses not designated for nudity?" There is NO lewd or indecent intent there. Want to test it? Try walking down Ocean Blvd. completely nude. It's been a while since I was involved with NAC, so I apologize for not realizing this sooner (and this is what Zimmerman left out) and including it: What is pertinent here is not Section 800.3 (Exposure of Sexual Organs) but Section 877.03 (Disorderly Conduct), which says that disorderly conduct is an act "of a nature to corrupt the public morals, or outrage the sense of public decency, . . ." That is the statute generally used to punish public nudity (including women's toplessness). See, for instance, Goodmasters v. State (1981) and Moffett v. State (1977). Those words are why Zimmerman includes as illegal "nude sunbathing on non-designated public beaches." The presumption is that "the sense of public decency" is not outraged by nudity on a nude-designated beach. That is also why toplessness is OK on South Beach; it is expected there. I'll add that some of the stuff you wear is untested in court--if arrested, I suspect it could go either way (depending specifically where you are.)
JM_Runs	#19
	Re：Florida Nudity Laws Date Posted：05/30/2026 03:27:32Copy HTML I think Maxtlatl is , as we say in legal briefs, "on point". While saying "the State must prove lewd or indecent intent", the court will often infer 'intent' from 'action', or lack of it. If you wear too little in public, at a place and time when a reasonable person would presume others would be shocked, the court will probably infer you did so deliberately. A presumption you might be able to rebut by showing you were fleeing a burning building. But just arguing "I did not intend to be indecent" will not overcome the courts reasonable inference from your direct actions. That said, I regularly wear very little but do keep the junk covered. I don't wear g-strings that fail to fully cover the shaft and balls. If wearing something somewhat tanthrough I try to make sure it is highly camouflaged. Camouflage by bright neon irregular patterns or other strong camouflage. I test in front of a mirror, both front and side angles, remembering things light up in direct sunlight or when in silhouette. In the same way the law infers intent through action, your action and body language speak louder than words. So just keep your junk covered and just act normal. If you are acting normal then people will overlook your wearing a thong or g-string. As soon as you act weird or furtive instinctively hackles will rise.
visa0061	#20
	Re：Florida Nudity Laws Date Posted：06/01/2026 07:21:24Copy HTML As JM said, it's never "Oh I was minding my own business tanning in my thong and was arrested!" There's always more to it. It's more like "Oh I was minding my own business tanning in my thong and..." - Masturbating/pleasuring myself - Using a sex toy - Making an overt sexual display And THEN they get arrested. Of course you will. Apparently this guy in the story was flashing his member in Ring doorbells, taunting/flashing people, etc. 99.9999% of the time, if you're wearing a thong, minding your own business. The worst that is going to happen is they will ask you to cover up or leave. Then if you resist that request or make an issue, you might get arrested. Most of the cops I know, and our friends who are cops confirmed this, they have no desire to arrest someone for wearing a thong and spend the rest of the day doing paperwork as a result.
Maxtlatl	#21
	Re：Florida Nudity Laws Date Posted：06/01/2026 09:25:23Copy HTML Well, there IS DirtyBirdOH (on this forum, or at least he was) who was jogging in cheeky shorts in Delaware County remember. He was also wearing a coverlet, but his bare butt cheeks were sticking out below it. He was tackled by the police, thrown to the ground and charged with public indecency. He almost went to trial, but in the end plead out to avoid all the hassle.
visa0061	#22
	Re：Florida Nudity Laws Date Posted：06/02/2026 01:36:11Copy HTML I won't dispute the validity of that. I will say location and time period are key factors. 20 years ago? Yes, maybe that could have happened. In a conservative location? Even more plausible. However, in this day and age that is exceedingly rare if not unheard of. Cops can barely enforce legit crime in some locations without fear of losing their job and/or prosecution. To say they are going to risk their career and freedom getting into an altercation with someone over wearing a thong? Not happening. One of my friends is a cop in a beach town where we live. We were talking one day about our thongs. He said rarely, have they ever, had to approach someone for indecent exposure. He said when they have? It's been something egregious like full public nudity or lewdness. And he said it's never someone just tanning. College kids streaking, folks having sex in public, and lewd acts of that variety. He said if anything, him and his buddies all fight for the beach/boardwalk patrol jobs to admire the "scenery."
andrea12	#23
	Re：Florida Nudity Laws Date Posted：06/03/2026 06:05:00Copy HTML To whoever can answer , i was reading visa0061 post, especially last part. Wearing a thong, that fully covers genitals, not sheer or transparent, without any other more (no touching themselves, no toys ...) is illegal or not in public place? * If legal, police officer can't say anything, can't ask to cover, can't ask to move and can't arrest you if you refuse it. And no paperwork to do by them, more IMHO patrol needn't to intervene if someone calls because there's someone in thong * If illegal they have to come and restore legality in accordance with operative policies. How they can ask you to cover or leave if not illegal? I'm from another country so maybe something missing?
JM_Runs	#24
	Re：Florida Nudity Laws Date Posted：06/03/2026 09:55:41Copy HTML Andrea12 - Depends on the exact location, park city, county etc. Each can have different rules. And, even if not arrested for nudity it is possible to have a breach of the peace charge. A possible arrest also depends on how you act, both before and after an encounter with authorities. A quiet sober white guy who agrees to cover-up when asked is less likely to get greif than a loud or drunk person insisting on their 'sovereign citizen' rights. I live in Fort Lauderdale and wear a thong on the beach and while padding around the waterways. Never a problem from the authorities. Once in a whie some redneck will say something rude, but mostly I get very positive reactions. When going to the supermarket or bar I will cover up with micro shorts. I get some odd looks but also some warm smiles. If there is a complaint almost never is it accurate. People say something like "nude man". In which case the police will come out but will just look from a distance, check you are actually wearing a thong and then buzz-off. Because of a broken ankle I can no longer run. However when I was running on the beach sand several days a week I was told the police dispatcher would ask if the tourist if they could see a thong or g-string, inform the caller that was not illegal, and then nix the call.