State Comparison Tool
Compare age of consent and close-in-age (Romeo and Juliet) provisions for up to three U.S. states side-by-side.
Last Updated: · Reviewed by our Editorial Review Team
Before you use this tool
This comparison surfaces the headline statutory differences between three U.S. states: the general age of consent, whether a close-in-age exception exists, and a short summary. It is intended for general orientation and research, not to support a real-world legal decision.
Use the side-by-side view to identify where states diverge, then click through to each state's full guide and the official statute before drawing any conclusion.
| Provision | California | Texas | Florida |
|---|---|---|---|
| Age of Consent | 18 | 17 | 18 |
| Close-in-Age Exemption | No formal exemption | Yes — within 3 years (14-16) | Yes — 16-17 with partner under 24 |
| Summary | Age 18; misdemeanor 'unlawful intercourse' for close-age teens. | Age 17 with affirmative 3-year close-in-age defense. | Age 18; 'Romeo & Juliet' law allows partners 16-17 with someone under 24. |
Official Source Links
- Congress.gov — Directory of State Legislature Websites Official portal for each state's statute database.
- Cornell Law School — Legal Information Institute Plain-language overview of statutory rape and Romeo and Juliet provisions by state.
- National Conference of State Legislatures Tracks legislative changes affecting consent and related statutes.
State-Law Limitations of This Tool
- Comparison only displays headline provisions. Many states have multiple consent ages, tiered offenses, and special rules for specific age combinations.
- Does not capture authority-relationship rules, marriage exceptions, mandatory reporting, or digital communications statutes.
- Does not reflect prosecutorial discretion, charging practices, or local case law.
- Does not capture federal law, military jurisdiction, or tribal-land jurisdiction.
- Always verify with the linked official state statute before relying on the summary.
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