787.025 Luring or enticing a child.

(1) As used in this section, the term: (a) “Structure” means a building of any kind, either temporary or permanent, which has a roof over it, together with the curtilage thereof. (b) “Dwelling” means a building or conveyance of any kind, either temporary or permanent, mobile or immobile, which has a roof over it and is designed to be occupied by people lodging together therein at night, together with the curtilage thereof. (c) “Conveyance” means any motor vehicle, ship, vessel, railroad car, trailer, aircraft, or sleeping car. (d) “Convicted” means a determination of guilt which is the result of a trial or the entry of a plea of guilty or nolo contendere, regardless of whether adjudication is withheld.

(2)(a) A person 18 years of age or older who intentionally lures or entices, or attempts to lure or entice, a child under the age of 14 into or out of a structure, dwelling, or conveyance for other than a lawful purpose commits a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084. (b) A person 18 years of age or older who, having been previously convicted of a violation of paragraph (a), intentionally lures or entices, or attempts to lure or entice, a child under the age of 14 into or out of a structure, dwelling, or conveyance for other than a lawful purpose commits a felony of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084. (c) A person 18 years of age or older who, having been previously convicted of a violation of chapter 794, s. 800.04, or s. 847.0135(5), or a violation of a similar law of another jurisdiction, intentionally lures or entices, or attempts to lure or entice, a child under the age of 14 into or out of a structure, dwelling, or conveyance for other than a lawful purpose commits a felony of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.

(3) It is an affirmative defense to a prosecution under this section that: (a) The person reasonably believed that his or her action was necessary to prevent the child from being seriously injured. (b) The person lured or enticed, or attempted to lure or entice, the child under the age of 14 into or out of a structure, dwelling, or conveyance for a lawful purpose. (c) The person’s actions were reasonable under the circumstances and the defendant did not have any intent to harm the health, safety, or welfare of the child.

History: s. 1, ch. 95-228; s. 8, ch. 99-201; s. 3, ch. 2000-246; s. 1, ch. 2006-299; s. 20, ch. 2008-172; s. 2, ch. 2025-132.