Florida Prostitution Laws
Although prostitution and solicitation are sex crimes under Florida criminal law, certain acts related to such offenses are treated more harshly. Criminal penalties associated with pimping and pandering are designed to severely punish individuals who knowingly and willfully exploit, facilitate, or otherwise benefit from prostitution.
Pimping means making money from another person engaged in prostitution, while pandering means facilitating or promoting prostitution. In general, defendants facing pimping and/or pandering charges must be aware of the alleged prostitution.
Common examples of pimping and pandering include:
Financially benefiting from prostitution
Forcing or coercing someone to engage in prostitution
Recruiting or enticing others to participate in prostitution
Owning/renting property or operating a business for the purpose of prostitution
Providing transportation to individuals engaging in prostitution
In Florida, forcing another person into prostitution and financially benefiting from an individual’s prostitution is a third-degree felony, which carries a maximum prison sentence of five years and/or fines of up to $5,000. However, if the alleged prostitute is a child, forcing a child into prostitution and living off child prostitution is a second-degree felony, punishable by imprisonment for up to 15 years and/or a maximum fine of $10,000.
Renting a property for prostitution is a second-degree misdemeanor, punishable by a jail term of up to 60 days and/or a maximum fine of $500. Yet, if the alleged prostitute is a child or this is the defendant’s second offense, renting is a first-degree misdemeanor, which carries a maximum jail sentence of one year and/or a fine of up to $1,000.
No matter what type of prostitution-related charges you face, a conviction can result in harsh criminal penalties. Furthermore, if you are convicted of causing a minor to be prostituted or selling a minor into prostitution, you will be required to register as a sex offender in Florida.
If you are charged with a sex crime in Miami, do not hesitate to contact the Law Office of Armando J. Hernandez, P.A. today at (305) 400-0074 for a free consultation. Let a former state prosecutor be your criminal defense attorney! Learn more about Florida prostitution laws.