Is It Legal To Sunbathe In Your Backyard? (Find Out Now!)

Avoiding unsightly tan lines is key for obtaining the perfect Summer glow! This is why people across the globe flock to beautiful beaches to soak in the sun, in the nude. However, for the more modest members of mankind, is it legal to sunbathe in your backyard?

Basking in buff while on your personal property is technically legal, with one very large caveat. If you cannot ensure that this activity is done privately, it can lead to an indecent exposure charge. Each state has different requirements for what qualifies for this criminal offense, so it is important to clarify what your city allows.

While each state has a slightly different interpretation, the general definition of indecent exposure is relatively clear cut. It is the intentional presentation of one’s genitals to a person or people who might be offended by the sight. Many states also require that you must be engaging in lewd or sexual behavior.

There is also the stipulation that it has to be witnessed while on public property. However, this does not mean that you have to be on public property to face this charge.

An Indecent Exposure charge is considered a misdemeanor that can land you in jail for, in most cases, six months or less. It also comes with a hefty fine that varies from state to state.

Most importantly though, if you are caught more than once, you will then be required to register as a sex offender. Keep in mind, this charge brings a handful of stipulations that can impact your day to day life.

These can include living a certain distance from any school and being barred from visiting parks or sporting arenas. In some states, you can even be required to stop from consuming alcohol. When you consider the impacts this would bring to your professional and personal life, you might think twice about sunbathing in the nude.

Every state has specific rules for being naked in public. However, Alaska, Arizona, Iowa, Maryland, Nebraska and Utah seem to have the most rigid laws against this act.

States like Texas and Florida take crimes against children very seriously. Thus, if this activity is witnessed by a child, this is a much graver outcome. Indecency With A Child By Exposure is defined as the intentional exposure of the genitals or the anus to a minor under the age of sixteen.

Most other states require some form of sexual intent along with the exposure of private parts. Even so, it is always best to not test the waters with this type of accusation.

Indecency With A Child By Exposure is a felony charge that can land you in jail for up to fifteen years and brings up to a $10,000 fine. This also brings the requirement of registering as a sex offender, with the first conviction.

While it is likely that your intentions are pure, for the folks who live along a school bus route or near an educational facility, the charge could stick.

Moreover, even if the court rules in your favor, the charge will remain on your record. The consequences for just having this allegation can be very detrimental. It can impact your job outlook, housing situation and your ability to visit certain facilities.

TopFreedom is a political initiative aimed at achieving gender equality. If men are allowed to be shirtless in a location, then women should be allowed to do the same action. Supporters argue that by withholding this right, it is infringing upon the Equal Protection Clause stated in the Fourteenth Amendment.

In recent years, many states across the nation have joined in on this movement making it legal to go topless in some cities in the state.

However, not every city within these states agrees with this ruling. Therefore, if you hope to go topless, it is crucial to confirm the laws and regulations for the specific location.

Most other states tend to have ambiguous laws regarding a woman’s right to uncover her top half in public. What this means is that some states will not judge this decision too harshly. However, there are always those locations that will make an example of the individuals who bend the rules. Thus, we advise erring on the side of caution.

The general consensus is that if you can be seen, you may be in trouble. Conversely, if you are brave enough to don your birthday suit in public, there are locations across the United States where sunbathing in the buff is legal and welcomed!

It shouldn’t be much of a surprise that many of these places are beach-related spots. California and Florida all have a handful of locations to strip down and soak in the sun with no worries about legal issues. Moreover, Arkansas is fair game IF you only strip down in front of those of the same sex (and in a sanctioned location).

If you feel the need to bathe in the buff, consider making upgrades to your backyard to guarantee privacy. These can include installing tall fences, planting a plethora of trees, and adding a trellis to the deck.

If your fence boards have a little too much room in between each other, also try situating privacy hedges along areas where people might frequent. Luscious backyard landscapes are a fantastic solution to provide you with some solitude and peace of mind.

Additionally, always check your city and state laws to determine what your specific region allows. Catching some rays with your bottoms on might be your best bet if you live in a state with strict rules.

On that note — it is important to remember that many of these laws are subjective. You may not have any sexual intent. However, the mother of a thirteen-year-old who sees you without clothes might see things in a different light. This is a decision that is solely in the hands of the accuser, the arresting officer, and the judge. Thus, tread lightly.