(1) “KNOWINGLY” DEFINED.—As used in this section, “knowingly” means having general knowledge of, reason to know, or a belief or ground for belief which warrants further inspection or inquiry of both:
(a) The character and content of any material described herein which is reasonably susceptible of examination by the defendant, and
(b) The age of the minor; however, an honest mistake shall constitute an excuse from liability hereunder if the defendant made a reasonable bona fide attempt to ascertain the true age of such minor.
(2) OFFENSES AND PENALTIES.—
(a) It is unlawful for anyone offering for sale in a retail establishment open to the general public any book, magazine, or other printed material, the cover of which depicts material which is harmful to minors, to knowingly exhibit such book, magazine, or material in such establishment in such a way that it is on open display to, or within the convenient reach of, minors who may frequent the retail establishment. Such items shall, however, be displayed, either individually or collectively, behind an opaque covering which conceals the book, magazine, or other printed material.
(b) It is unlawful for anyone offering for sale in a retail establishment open to the general public any book, magazine, or other printed material, the content of which exploits, is devoted to, or is principally made up of descriptions or depictions of material which is harmful to minors, to knowingly exhibit such book, magazine, or material in such establishment in such a way that it is within the convenient reach of minors who may frequent the retail establishment.
(c) A violation of any provision of this section constitutes a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.
History.—s. 1, ch. 78-273; s. 1, ch. 79-96; s. 2, ch. 83-77; s. 3, ch. 86-38; s. 4, ch. 86-238; s. 212, ch. 91-224; s. 14, ch. 2010-117.