Tampa Prostitution Attorney

Being charged with prostitution in Florida can have serious consequences that impact your freedom, reputation, and future. Even though prostitution is often charged as a misdemeanor, a conviction can lead to jail time, probation, fines, and a permanent criminal record. Florida law also allows prostitution offenses to be enhanced for repeat allegations, meaning subsequent convictions can carry significantly harsher penalties. If you have been arrested or investigated for prostitution-related offenses, speaking with a skilled Tampa prostitution attorney as early as possible can make a critical difference in your case. Hunt Law provides aggressive criminal defense representation for clients facing prostitution charges in Tampa and throughout Hillsborough County. Call today for a confidential consultation and begin building your defense immediately.

Call Now! 813-787-4849

What is Prostitution in Florida?

Section 796.07, Florida Statutes

It is unlawful for a person 18 years of age or older to offer to commit, or to commit, or to engage in, prostitution, lewdness, or assignation.

"Assignation" means the making of any appointment or engagement for prostitution or lewdness, or any act in furtherance of such appointment or engagement.

"Lewdness" means any indecent or obscene act.

"Prostitution" means the giving or receiving of the body for sexual activity for hire but excludes sexual activity between spouses.

"Sexual Activity" means oral, anal, or female genital penetration by, or union with, the sexual organ of another; anal or female genital penetration of another by any other object; or the handling or fondling of the sexual organ of another for the purpose of masturbation; however the term does not include acts done for bona fide medical purposes.

Potential Jail or
Prison Time

Prostitution is a 2nd degree misdemeanor, punishable by up to 60 days in the county jail.
A second offense is a 1st degree misdemeanor, punishable by up to 1 year in the county jail.
A third or subsequent offense is a 3rd degree felony, punishable by up to 5 years in Florida State Prison.

Potential Fine

A conviction for Prostitution can result in a fine of up to $500.
A second conviction can result in a fine of up to $1,000.
A third or subsequent conviction can result in a fine of up to $5,000.

Experienced Tampa Prostitution Attorney Defending Clients Against Serious Criminal Charges

If you have been arrested for prostitution or a related offense in Florida, it is important to understand that even a misdemeanor charge can carry serious and lasting consequences. A conviction may result in jail time, probation, fines, mandatory classes, and a permanent criminal record that can negatively affect employment opportunities, professional licenses, housing applications, and your reputation. In some situations, prostitution-related offenses can also be enhanced for repeat allegations, leading to significantly harsher penalties. Working with an experienced Tampa prostitution attorney as early as possible can help protect your rights and improve your chances of securing a favorable outcome.

At Hunt Law, we understand that prostitution charges often arise from undercover sting operations, misunderstandings, or allegations involving little to no actual evidence of an agreement to exchange money for sexual activity. Law enforcement agencies throughout Hillsborough County regularly conduct prostitution stings in hotels, massage establishments, online platforms, and other locations across the Tampa Bay area. These investigations frequently involve undercover officers, recorded conversations, text messages, and surveillance evidence that must be carefully analyzed by an experienced criminal defense lawyer.

An experienced Tampa prostitution attorney can review every aspect of the investigation to determine whether law enforcement violated your constitutional rights or whether the prosecution can actually prove the elements of the offense beyond a reasonable doubt. In some cases, defenses may involve lack of intent, insufficient evidence, mistaken identity, entrapment, unlawful searches, or challenges to the credibility of undercover officers and witnesses. Early intervention by a defense attorney may also help clients avoid formal charges or reduce the long-term impact of the case.

Hunt Law aggressively represents clients charged with prostitution and related offenses throughout Tampa and Hillsborough County. We understand the stress and embarrassment that often come with these allegations and work to provide discreet, strategic, and effective representation tailored to each client’s circumstances. If you are searching for a trusted Tampa prostitution attorney, do not wait to get legal help. Contact Hunt Law today for a confidential consultation and begin building your defense immediately.

What Are The Elements Of Prostitution?

(Florida Standard Jury Instruction 23.5)

To prove the crime of Offering to Commit, Committing, or Engaging in [Prostitution] [Lewdness] [Assignation], the State must prove the following two elements beyond a reasonable doubt:

1. (Defendant) [offered to commit] [committed] [engaged in] [prostitution] [lewdness] [assignation].

2. At the time, (defendant) was 18 years of age or older.

§ 796.07(1), Fla. Stat.
“Prostitution” is the giving or receiving of the body for sexual activity for hire but excludes sexual activity between spouses.

“Lewdness” is any indecent or obscene act. “Indecent” means wicked, lustful, unchaste, licentious, or sensual intention on the part of the person doing the act.

“Assignation” means the making of any appointment or engagement for prostitution or lewdness, or any act in furtherance of such appointment or engagement.

“Sexual activity” means oral, anal, or female genital penetration by, or union with, the sexual organ of another; anal or female genital penetration of another by any other object; or the handling or fondling of the sexual organ of another for the purpose of masturbation[; however, the term does not include acts done for bona fide medical purposes. “Bona fide” means genuine].

“Female genitals” includes the labia minora, labia majora, clitoris, vulva, hymen, and vagina.

Phillips v. State, 238 So. 3d 308 (Fla. 4th DCA 2018).
“Union” means contact.

Give if applicable.
Lakey v. State, 113 So. 3d 90 (Fla. 5th DCA 2013).
The definition of “an object” includes a finger.

Call Now For A Free Consultation

If you've been charged with Prostitution, it's important to act quickly. A conviction can carry serious consequences, including jail time, probation, fines and a permanent criminal record. You don't have to face the legal system alone. Call today for a confidential consultation and take the first step towards putting this charge behind you.

Call Now! 813-787-4849