Sexual abuse of a child is generally defined as physical contact or other interaction between a child (under age 17, for example) and an adult when the child is being used for the sexual stimulation or pleasure of the perpetrator or another person. In addition to physical contact, sexual abuse of a child may include (1) the exposure of the genitals of an adult in the presence of a child, (2) the exposure of the genitals of a child, (3) using a child in making pornography, or (4) making a child view sexual acts or pornography.

And in some states multiple instances of sexual contact between an adult and a child may constitute the enhanced criminal offense of continual sexual abuse of a child—which is sometimes a first-degree felony offense.

In Florida, sexual abuse of a child is a serious criminal offense, covered under various statutes. Florida law defines a child as a person under the age of 18. Sexual abuse can include a range of non-consensual activities, such as touching or fondling a child's genitals, forcing a child to touch an adult's genitals, sexual assault, or the exploitation of a child in pornography. Florida Statute 800.04 covers lewd or lascivious offenses committed upon or in the presence of persons less than 16 years of age, and these offenses can range from second-degree felonies to life felonies, depending on the circumstances and the age of the offender and the victim. The creation, possession, or distribution of child pornography is also a criminal offense under Florida Statute 827.071, and can result in severe penalties including substantial prison time. Additionally, Florida has a specific statute for sexual performance by a child under Statute 827.071, which makes it illegal to force or entice a child to engage in any sexual act or simulation of such an act for the purpose of creating any visual depiction or live performance. Continual sexual abuse of a child is not defined as a separate offense in Florida, but the state does have laws that allow for enhanced penalties for repeat sexual offenders or those who commit multiple acts of sexual abuse against a child.