Florida Considers Ban on First Cousin Marriages Amidst National Legal Patchwork
Florida lawmakers are currently debating a potential ban on marriages between first cousins, a practice that remains legal in the state. This discussion highlights the diverse legal landscape across the United States regarding cousin marriages. While there is no federal prohibition, states have varying laws, with some allowing such unions under specific conditions like advanced age or infertility. Currently, about 16 states and the District of Columbia permit first cousin marriages without general restrictions. In Florida, a proposed ban failed to pass during the 2026 legislative session, but Governor Ron DeSantis has renewed calls for prohibition, citing cultural concerns. The debate is partly fueled by worries about practices common in the Islamic and Arab world, which some fear could influence U.S. cultural norms. 
