TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - The Florida House gave final approval to a measure that will largely block minors from getting married in Florida.
The bill would bar people under 18 from getting marriage licenses, but it would include an exception for 17-year-olds who have written consent from their parents or guardians.
Also, the 17-year-olds can not marry people who are more than two years older than them.
The legislation emerged, and became high profile, because of the story of 58-year-old Sherry Johnson, who said she was forced to marry her adult rapist at age 11 after giving birth to a child.
"It was a little frustration, a little anxious. But nevertheless, I knew it was a mission for me to accomplish," said Johnson. "I made sure that I stayed on that mission until it was accomplished. What better way to end the session."
Under current law, minors age 16 and 17 can get marriage licenses with parental consent, and judges have discretion to issue licenses to younger minors if they have children or if pregnancies are involved.
