Fla. Stat. § 796.07

Solicitation & Prostitution

These charges escalate quickly with repeat offenses and carry consequences beyond the sentence — mandatory fees, vehicle impoundment, and public exposure. Here is how the law works.

Attorney-Reviewed Statute Resource
Reviewed by Jeff T. Gorman, Criminal Defense Attorney & Former 19th Circuit Prosecutor (Fla. Bar #538183). Last reviewed: June 2026

Escalating Offenses

Under § 796.07, both offering and soliciting prostitution are crimes, and the penalties escalate with each conviction.

The Governing Statute
Fla. Stat. § 796.07 — Prohibiting Prostitution and Related Acts
"It is unlawful … [t]o solicit, induce, entice, or procure another to commit prostitution, lewdness, or assignation; [or] to offer to commit, or to commit, or to engage in, prostitution, lewdness, or assignation."
Read the full statute on Online Sunshine →
Prostitution/Solicitation — Escalation
First offense: Second-degree misdemeanor.

Second offense: First-degree misdemeanor.

Third or subsequent: Third-degree felony.

Also: Mandatory civil penalty, possible vehicle impoundment, and mandatory testing/education for solicitation.

What a Defense Attorney Looks For

  • Entrapment, which frequently arises in sting operations.
  • Whether an actual agreement or offer was made — the required element.
  • Intent and the specifics of the alleged communication.
  • Diversion options that can avoid a conviction and public record.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is solicitation a felony in Florida?
Not usually on a first offense. Under § 796.07, a first offense is a second-degree misdemeanor, a second is a first-degree misdemeanor, and a third or subsequent offense is a third-degree felony. Mandatory fees and penalties also apply.
Is entrapment a defense to solicitation in Florida?
It can be. Because many solicitation cases arise from police sting operations, entrapment — being induced by law enforcement to commit a crime you were not predisposed to commit — is a frequently raised defense.

Charged Under This Statute?

A statute on a page is not the same as your case. Talk to an attorney who has handled these charges — free, confidential.

This page summarizes Fla. Stat. § 796.07 for general informational purposes and is not legal advice. Statutes change; while this page is reviewed by a licensed Florida attorney, always verify the current text on the official Online Sunshine source or consult an attorney about your specific situation. Serving Martin, St. Lucie, Palm Beach, Indian River, and Okeechobee Counties.