Scott signs new “sexting” law easing punishment for minors

‘Sexting’ law eases penalties for Fla. minors

Florida law now has a section on “sexting.” Among 46 proposals Gov. Rick Scott signed into law Tuesday is a measure easing punishments on minors who send sexually explicit text messages, photos or videos via electronic data transmission, like cell phones. Sen. Charlie Dean, R-Inverness, and Rep. Joseph Abruzzo, D-Wellington, sponsored the bill (HB 75) to shield children who send risque texts from being prosecuted for big-time offenses, like child-pornography distribution. Under the law, first-time violations come with a $60 fine or eight hours of community service. Subsequent violations have harsher penalties. A second offense is considered a first-degree misdemeanor.