Florida Legislature Blocks Bill Restricting First Cousin Marriages Keeping Controversial Practice Legal Across State

Florida residents can still marry their first cousins after a proposed law to prohibit such unions stalled in the state legislature.

Despite efforts from lawmakers, cousins remain free to tie the knot in the Sunshine State—for now.

The Failed Amendment

State Representative Dean Black, a Republican, had introduced an amendment aimed at banning marriages between first cousins, technically phrased as “a lineal descendant of your grandparent.”

If the bill had passed, it would have made cousin marriages illegal starting in July 2026.

However, as the legislative session drew to a close, Black revealed that disagreements over other portions of the legislation prevented the amendment from moving forward.

“We just couldn’t get consensus on the full bill,” he told Action News Jax.

Florida Among a Minority of States

Florida remains one of 16 states in the U.S. that allow first cousins to marry without restriction.

Black explained that many of these laws date back to a time when populations were smaller, and finding a compatible partner outside one’s family was more difficult.

“Now, there are plenty of people here to be your lifelong partner without turning to a first cousin,” Black said.

Meanwhile, 25 states completely prohibit cousin marriages, while nine others allow exceptions if the partners are infertile, same-sex, or above a certain age.

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States like New York, California, Massachusetts, and Georgia have no restrictions, similar to Florida.

Legal Boundaries and Health Considerations

Although first cousins can marry, Florida still bans unions between closer family members.

Marriages between parents and children, grandparents, aunts, uncles, nieces, or nephews remain illegal.

Medical experts caution that children born to first cousins face higher genetic risks.

A 2008 U.K. study found that while children of unrelated parents have a 2–3% chance of birth defects, this risk rises to 4–6% for children of first cousins.

Other potential issues include speech and language difficulties, as well as more frequent medical visits in early childhood.

Impact and Consequences

The failure of the bill leaves Florida’s cousin-marriage laws intact, maintaining the status quo for families who may wish to marry within extended families.

Critics argue this keeps a practice that poses potential genetic risks legal, while supporters claim adults should have the freedom to choose their partners.

What’s Next?

Black has indicated he may revisit the issue, either through a standalone bill or by attaching it to future legislation.

“It’s something we’ll have to see how it plays out in the next session,” he said.

Lawmakers and advocacy groups on both sides of the debate will likely continue pushing for clarity in the coming years.

Summary

Florida lawmakers failed to pass a bill banning first-cousin marriages, leaving these unions legal.

While cousin marriages are allowed, closer family marriages remain prohibited.

The debate over genetic risks versus personal choice continues to shape discussions across the state.

Bulleted Takeaways

• Florida first cousins can still legally marry after a proposed ban failed.
• State Representative Dean Black proposed the amendment, aiming for a July 2026 enforcement.
• Disagreements over other bill elements caused the measure to stall.
• Florida joins 16 states allowing unrestricted first-cousin marriages; 25 states ban them outright.
• Children of first cousins face higher risks of birth defects, speech difficulties, and more frequent medical visits.