Marrying your first cousin is legal in Florida. The state does not prohibit marriage between first cousins, and there are no special restrictions or conditions that apply to such unions. This means that first cousins are free to marry, cohabitate, and have sexual relations under Florida law.
Relevant Florida Statutes
Florida law specifically prohibits marriages between close relatives such as siblings, aunts/uncles, nieces/nephews, and those related by direct lineal descent (parent-child, grandparent-grandchild).
However, first cousins are not included in this list of prohibited relationships. The relevant statute, Florida Statutes Section 741.21, outlines which relationships are considered incestuous and therefore illegal to marry, and first cousins are not mentioned.
“A man may not marry any woman to whom he is related by lineal consanguinity, nor his sister, nor his aunt, nor his niece. A woman may not marry any man to whom she is related by lineal consanguinity, nor her brother, nor her uncle, nor her nephew.”
- Florida Statutes Section 741.21
Comparison With Other States
Florida is among the minority of U.S. states that allow first cousin marriage without restriction. Many other states either ban such marriages outright or only allow them under specific conditions (such as age or infertility).
Summary Table: Florida Cousin Marriage Law
| Relationship | Marriage Legal in Florida? |
|---|---|
| First Cousin | Yes |
| Sibling | No |
| Aunt/Uncle-Niece/Nephew | No |
| First Cousin Once Removed | Yes |
| Half-Cousin | Yes |
| Adopted Cousin | Yes |
Key Takeaways
- First cousins can legally marry in Florida.
- There are no special restrictions or requirements for first cousin marriage.
- Florida law only prohibits marriage between direct lineal relatives, siblings, aunts/uncles, and nieces/nephews.
- Florida’s stance is more permissive than many other U.S. states.
In conclusion, if you are considering marrying your first cousin in Florida, state law allows it without any legal barriers.
Sources:
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cousin_marriage_law_in_the_United_States
- https://www.insideedition.com/gallery/kissing-cousins-states-where-marrying-your-relative-legal-48234
- http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=0700-0799%2F0741%2FSections%2F0741.21.html
- https://www.rpfoley.com/incest-marrying-or-having-sex-with-a-blood-relative-florida-stat.html