EXISTING STATE LAWS REGULATING NUDITY

The more corrupt the state, the more numerous the laws. - Tacitus (55-117 A.D.)

Each state, province, and territory has some code or statute that addresses public nudity.

Many jurisdictions make the important distinction between mere public nudity (e.g., skinny-dipping or nude sunbathing) and illicit lewd behavior, but some lump both into the same criminal category. Some states have criminalized the breasts of women, while allowing their male counterparts to be exposed.

In compiling the laws of each U.S. state for this resource, NAC's focus is on statutes that address simple nudity. Laws regulating lewd behavior or commercial nudity (e.g., adult entertainment) are generally omitted, except where they also impinge upon the simple nudity of Naturists.

DISCLAIMER:  This list is intended only as a reference for state statutes and codes. It is not represented to be a comprehensive guide to all legal restrictions applied to nudity in a given venue. For example, it may not include the regulations of state agencies (like State Park Departments) that have rules addressing nudity. It does not include county, municipal, or other local ordinances or regulations. This list is not offered as legal advice, nor is it intended to replace the services of a legal professional. If you have questions concerning the law in your locality, NAC encourages you to consult an attorney.

Use the selectors in the frame on the left to browse to your state of interest. The links will open the relevant laws of your state in this frame, with details on laws currently affecting Naturists. Each page has a link to the NAC Board Member who is responsible for that state, and additionally a link to the summary and legislation status for that state.

You may jump directly to the summary and legislation status for a particular state by clicking on the state name in the left frame, or you can see an overview of the State Summary pages by clicking on "Summary/Legislation."