House Bill 895 seeks to amend various sections of Florida law concerning prostitution, human trafficking, and related offenses. The bill introduces new definitions for terms such as "adult," "commercial sex," and "prostitution" under a newly created section 796.011, while establishing criminal penalties for engaging in prostitution and related acts. It also allows for the admissibility of testimony regarding the reputation of locations involved in such charges and mandates educational programs for individuals convicted of specific offenses. Notably, the bill repeals section 796.04, which previously addressed coercion into prostitution, and modifies section 796.06 to impose stricter penalties for maintaining spaces for commercial sex. Additionally, it amends section 796.07 to prohibit offering something of value in exchange for sexual activity, emphasizing community service, educational programs, and health testing for offenders.

Furthermore, the bill addresses human trafficking by allowing judicial circuits to create educational programs for those charged with commercial sex violations, covering topics such as the link between demand for commercial sex and human trafficking. It removes the mandatory minimum incarceration period for repeat offenders and revises vehicle impoundment laws, allowing for dismissal under certain conditions. The bill also updates background check requirements for massage therapy personnel and strengthens regulations surrounding criminal activities related to prostitution, particularly in protecting vulnerable populations. Additionally, it modifies penalties for crimes involving children and establishes the Rape Crisis Program Trust Fund, funded through court assessments on certain offenses, with an effective date set for October 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
H 895 Filed: 796.04, 796.06, 796.07, 397.4073, 60.05, 322.28, 397.417, 420.6241, 435.07, 480.041, 480.043, 480.046, 772.102, 787.01, 787.02, 794.056, 796.08, 796.09, 893.138, 895.02, 938.085