Florida Statute §796.07 | Classification: First-Degree Misdemeanor to Second-Degree Felony
What Is This Charge?
Solicitation of prostitution involves offering, agreeing to, or requesting to pay for sexual activity. In Florida, even an agreement or offer — without any sexual act taking place — is sufficient for a criminal charge. Law enforcement frequently conducts undercover sting operations.
Penalties & Fines
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First offense: First-Degree Misdemeanor — up to 1 year jail, $1,000 fine
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Second offense: Third-Degree Felony — up to 5 years, $5,000 fine
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Third or subsequent offense: Second-Degree Felony — up to 15 years
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Mandatory HIV testing upon conviction
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Vehicle forfeiture is possible in some circumstances
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Name and photo may be published by the arresting agency upon conviction
Additional Consequences
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Permanent criminal record — misdemeanor or felony depending on prior history
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Reputational damage — arrest records are public
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Immigration consequences for non-citizens
Possible Defenses
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Entrapment — law enforcement induced you to commit an act you would not have otherwise committed
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No explicit or clear agreement was made
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The communication was ambiguous and did not constitute an actual solicitation
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You withdrew or refused before any agreement was made
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Mistaken identity
Why You Need a Defense Attorney
Solicitation charges almost always arise from sting operations, and entrapment is a viable and frequently successful defense when law enforcement goes too far. An attorney will analyze the undercover officer’s conduct, the content of all communications, and whether the legal definition was clearly met.
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