TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (The News Service of Florida) - A new law that will largely block minors from getting married in Florida takes effect July 1.
In the past, minors ages 16 and 17 have been able to get marriage licenses with parental consent, and judges have had discretion to issue licenses to even younger minors if they have children or if pregnancies are involved.
Under the change, marriage will generally be barred for people under age 18, though an exception will be in place for 17-year-olds who have written consent from their parents or guardians.
The issue emerged because of the story of Sherry Johnson, who says she was forced to marry her adult rapist at 11-years-old after giving birth to a child.
"It lives with you throughout your life, to a certain extent. Then, you have to bring the best out of that situation. That's what I am doing," said Johnson.
The child marriage law is one of 105 measures that go into effect on Sunday.
