Marriage Between First Cousins Is Still Legal In Florida After Bill Fails To Pass

Marriage between first cousins is still ineligible in Florida aft a measure banning nan national grounded to walk nan authorities Senate.

While nan Sunshine State bans matrimony betwixt astir family members, Floridians are still allowed to necktie nan knot pinch their first cousins. State Representative Dean Black, a Republican, tried to outlaw each incestuous marriages pinch an amendment to a measure involving changes to Florida’s Department of Health.

“There are plentifulness of group here, and location are plentifulness of group you tin find to beryllium your lifelong partner without looking to your first cousin,” Black told Action News Jax.

The grounded measure states, “A man whitethorn not wed immoderate female to whom he is related by lineal consanguinity…A female whitethorn not wed immoderate man to whom she is related by lineal consanguinity.”

Incestuous marriages entered into aft July 1 would not beryllium recognized “for immoderate intent successful this state,” if nan authorities had passed, according to nan bill’s text.

But nan measure grounded simply because lawmakers ran retired of clip successful nan legislative session.

Black said location were disagreements complete different parts of nan bill, which prevented nan measurement from passing earlier nan convention ended.

Black said he thinks a prohibition connected first relative marriages “should travel backmost whether it’s a standalone bill, whether it’s tagged onto immoderate different bill. Not really sure. We’ll person to see.”

Florida is 1 of 16 states pinch nary limitations connected marrying your first cousin, according to Action News Jax.

“I deliberation we request to do nan correct point for Floridians here,” Black said.