In Florida, it is illegal to solicit any sexual activity for money and to sell sexual services for money. It also is illegal to engage in the business of prostitution, whether it is forcing someone to sell themselves for money, such as pimping, or running a brothel or place of prostitution.
Whether it is a charge for selling sex or attempting to buy sex from someone, there could be severe consequences. The penalties vary per offense, but you could face jail time, steep fines or both. In addition, it could affect your ability to get a job or rent a home, plus personal relationships.
If you have been arrested for selling or buying sex, you need a dedicated attorney to represent you. We are available to clients 24 hours per day, seven days per week. Call to speak to a Fort Lauderdale prostitution and solicitation lawyer.
According to the law, the definition excludes sexual activity between spouses. Sexual activity means a broad range of things, according to Florida law. It includes vaginal, oral or anal penetration or fondling sexual organs in masturbation. The term does not include acts done for medical purposes. In Florida, it is illegal to solicit someone for prostitution. This means, if a person attempts to solicit sex from someone who is not actually a prostitute, he or she still could be charged.
If a person asks for a service and agrees to pay, as though he or she is a prostitute, the person could be arrested for solicitation. Soliciting a prostitute is a second-degree misdemeanor for the first offense. However, for the second offense it is a first-degree misdemeanor and a third-degree felony for the third or subsequent offense. A separate charge can apply if a prostitute, or sex worker, is a minor. If someone tries to engage with a minor to solicit sex, the charge will go up one degree.
