Looking for a place to live with her boyfriend in Florida? There is a cozy study room waiting behind bars. A state law that dates from 1800 condemnation of unmarried heterosexual couples living under one roof.
Sun-Sentinel reports: "The cohabitation of unmarried persons is now a second degree misdemeanor, punishable by $ 500 or up to 60 days in jail The same penalty applies to cheating husbands and wives - if only to couples of opposite sex.. "
Although it has been largely ignored by the courts, is getting renewed attention as a local representative, Ritch Workman, attempts to have repealed it.
The law, which also condemns adultery, has been forgotten but not gone, with the exception of a 2006 case when a woman has her husband Jacksonville handcuffed by cheating.
"It is generally reported and 20 years in law enforcement, I've never seen a person arrested. However, it is in the books," said Jacksonville Sheriff's Office Ken Jefferson, spokesman for the local press currently the case.
Now, with renewed attention, many unmarried couples could also defend themselves in court or seeking refuge outside the state. According to a 2000 Census survey of Florida households with "unmarried partners" increased by 77 percent over 10 years. With higher co-habitators single ever in the country, the state retirement also may be looking less attractive to winter visitors.
The law against cohabitation, which was declared unconstitutional in North Carolina in 2006, is one of authoritarian parents judgments of Florida. Another is the criminalization of the cyclists who do not cling to your handlebars. Worker representative also is trying to eradicate the law, warring $ 60 fines each time they try the "Look Ma, no hands" trick.
At least one over-protection of Florida law can not be blamed to dust the old traditions: "Pull your pants" law. This year marks the first year of children caught up with baggy pants (or stomach, exposing the top) at the school may be suspended. I wonder if that will stand for another 100 years? Anything is possible, or impossible in the state of Florida.
