Prostitution in Florida
I happen to live in a county where the Sheriff is known for prostitution stings. I just did a google search and almost every hit was for my county! As a criminal defense attorney, this causes me some distress. (One might think, this brings me business, but I have different opinions on the matter). In Florida, prostitution is defined as the giving or receiving of the body for sexual activity for hire but excludes sexual activity between spouses. It is a misdemeanor for a first or second violation. It becomes a felony of the third degree for a third violation. In addition, a person who specifically solicits, induces, entices, or procures another to commit prostitution is subject to a minimum mandatory 10 days incarceration, vehicle impoundment, and a civil penalty of $5,000.00. Most of the people charged with prostitution are low-income women. In fact, statistics show that 80% are women. Most are put into the industry at the age o...