Story perspectives

Florida Senate Rejects Cousin Marriage Ban Amid Genetic Concerns

3/21/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The Florida Senate rejected House Bill 733, which would have banned marriages between first cousins and other blood relatives.
The bill would have taken effect on July 1, 2026.
State Representative Dean Black supported the bill and remains optimistic about a future vote.
Florida is among 16 states without restrictions on cousin marriages.
Critics cite genetic risks because first cousins share 12.5% of DNA, increasing the chance of recessive conditions.

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Story summary

The Florida Senate rejected House Bill 733, which would have banned marriages between first cousins and other blood relatives.
The bill would have taken effect on July 1, 2026.
State Representative Dean Black supported the bill and remains optimistic about a future vote.
Florida is among 16 states without restrictions on cousin marriages.
Critics cite genetic risks because first cousins share 12.5% of DNA, increasing the chance of recessive conditions.