Bill would allow Florida to fine businesses exposing minors to sexually explicit performances

Amber Jo Cooper contributed to this report.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FLV) – A bill filed would authorize the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation to fine, suspend, or revoke the license of any public establishment that admits a child to adult live performances.

The bill, titled “Protection of Children,” was filed by Rep. Randy Fine, R-Melbourne Beach, in the House and Sen. Clay Yarborough, R-Jacksonville, in the Senate.

“Adult live performance” means any show, exhibition, or other presentation in front of a live audience which, in whole or in part, depicts or simulates nudity, sexual conduct, sexual excitement, specific sexual activities, lewd conduct, or the lewd exposure of prosthetic or imitation genitals or breasts.

The division may offer a $5,000 fine for an establishment’s first violation.

The division may issue a $10,000 fine for an establishment’s second or subsequent violation of this subsection.

The bill specifies the violation constitutes “immediate, serious danger” to public health, safety, or welfare.

It would prohibit a person from knowingly admitting a child to an adult live performance.

In December 2022, the DBPR issued a warning surrounding sexually explicit drag shows. For the Dec. 29, 2022 “Drag Queen Christmas” show, they warned Ruth Eckerd Hall of Clearwater that children cannot be exposed to “sexually explicit performances.”

“The Department has reason to believe that this drag show is of a sexual nature, involving the exposure or exhibition of sexual organs, simulated sexual activity, and/or the sexualization of children’s stories,” they wrote. “To avoid action being taken against your license, it is your obligation to ensure that minors are prohibited from attending the Drag Fans drag show.”

Gov. Ron DeSantis’ administration also threatened to revoke the license of an Orlando venue ahead of a sexually explicit Christmas drag show Dec. 28, 2022 after the event occurred in several Florida cities – welcoming all ages and prompting an investigation from the Florida government.

“A Drag Queen Christmas” announced a tour for 36 cities in the United States, including Orlando, Miami, Fort Lauderdale and Clearwater.

The Miami show displayed drag queens and others dancing sensually. For example, one performance included “Screwdolph the red-nippled reindeer” with breasts that lit up red.

If passed, the bill shall take effect upon becoming a law.