Is it Legal to Offer Sex Toys to Kids in a Public Park? Sheriff, State Attorney Won’t Say

JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA — Strangers handing out sex toys in front of kids in a public park has failed to draw a public response from local law enforcement agencies in Jacksonville.

Last week, Florida’s Voice published multiple reports with photos and videos showing the distribution of vibrators, butt plugs, dildos, erection rings, bondage kits, condoms and lube at the Jax River City Pride Festival on Saturday, October 7 and the Parade on Sunday, October 8. Young children were present at both events.

At the festival, one booth offered products from the adult sex store “Adam and Eve” and “Wicked Sensual Care” including vibrators, butt plugs and bondage kits – the latter complete with a gag, blindfold and handcuffs. 

Chinese fans prominently displayed at another booth featured crass sexual humor, employing slang terms for male and female genitalia. 

In response to the images, users on social media questioned the legality of what they saw on display. Many of them called it blatant sexualization of children or “grooming.”

IS IT LEGAL?

The Florida Standard reached out to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO) and State Attorney Melissa Nelson, requesting clarity as to whether or not it was legal to display and distribute sex toys in front of children.

“I am not aware of an investigation by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office [with] reference to the distribution of such items and/or personal attire as this is not illegal,” JSO spokesman Allyn Kelly said. “I am unaware of any laws that were broken. Please keep in mind law enforcement was present during the event, and I have not been informed of any reported victims.”

When asked directly if it is legal to “distribute condoms, lube, sex toys and bondage kits in a public park where kids are present,” Kelly did not respond.

Nelson’s office also declined to say whether the law allows for adults to distribute sex toys at a public park with kids around.

“Every case depends on individual facts and evidence,” the state attorney’s spokesman David Chapman said. “Absent these, we would be unable to determine criminal conduct.”

Both Nelson and Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters are Republicans. 

Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan also failed to answer The Florida Standard’s questions about the images taken at both events. Deegan is a Democrat and served as the Grand Marshall for the parade on Sunday.

READ MORE: Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan Dodges Kids’ Presence at Sexualized “Pride” Parade