Young adults have easier access to the Bar’s #JustAdulting app
Helping tech-savvy teens and college students better prepare for real-life experiences is a big task. But with the help of a new free mobile app connected to the #JustAdulting website, young adults have the power to explore Florida law, and how it affects their lives, anytime and anywhere.
For spring break and beyond, The Florida Bar has released a #JustAdulting mobile app that is now available for download from the App Store (iPhone/iPad) and Google Play Store (Android), in addition to being available already on the web at www.justadulting.com.
The app features information on texting, drinking and driving, fake IDs, obtaining and keeping good credit, and 16 other topics. There is also a new section on police encounters. The app helps young adults know that turning 18 adds another layer of legal responsibility and helps the 18 and older crowd better understand the law and the consequences for breaking the law.
“When you turn 18, it’s more than just another birthday; there are rights and responsibilities that change as well,” said Florida Bar President Bill Schifino. “Last year we developed a website to introduce students to the legal realities of turning 18. Now we are releasing a mobile app version of that resource so visitors can browse the topics of their choice and receive notifications when new laws are added. offering the free app for mobile devices, we expect even more young adults to use it.”
“#JustAdulting makes it quick and easy for young adults and others to have access to important information,” said Sheri Hazeltine, chair of The Florida Bar Law Related Education Committee. “We will be running ads on social media throughout the spring to reach more students so that they can better understand the legal pitfalls and how to avoid them. For instance, it’s illegal to have an open alcoholic drink in a moving car. Many people, especially young adults, don’t realize that applies to the passenger too.”
Other messages important to being responsible while having fun will include the following:
• Fake ID: Anyone possessing a forged (altered) or counterfeit (falsely produced) ID, or possessing a stolen ID, risks a third-degree felony. Penalties may include an arrest, a maximum of five years in prison and/or probation, and a $5,000 fine.
• Underage drinking: The legal drinking age in Florida is 21. Anyone younger than 21 in possession of alcohol can be cited for a second-degree misdemeanor, which can lead to costly court fees, fines, and other lasting consequences.
• Open container: Possession of an open alcoholic beverage container in a vehicle (in motion or stopped) by the driver and/or the passenger(s) is a violation of Florida law.
• Driving under the influence: Driving, while under the influence (DUI), is subject to heavy penalties for the first offense. These include possible imprisonment of up to six months, a loss of driver’s license for up to one year, a fine up to $2,000 in addition to court costs, completion of a substance abuse course and driving course, 50 hours of community service, an electronic alcohol monitor worn at all times, and immediate impounding of the vehicle driven.
• Sexual cyber-harassment: Florida law classifies sexual cyber-harassment as a first-degree misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail and a $1,000 fine for the first offense.
The JustAdulting mobile app is available from the Apple iTunes App Store, Google Play, or at www.justadulting.com. Additional resources, including an infographic and video and PowerPoint presentation, are available at www.floridabar.org/justadulting. The Legal Survival Guide for New Adults is also available for download at www.floridabar.org/justadulting.
