House Bill 895 seeks to amend and create various sections of Florida law concerning prostitution and related offenses. It introduces new definitions for terms such as "adult," "assignation," "commercial sex," and "prostitution" under section 796.011, while prohibiting adults from engaging in prostitution and establishing criminal penalties for violations. The bill mandates educational programs for individuals convicted of these offenses, repeals section 796.04 related to coercion into prostitution, and amends section 796.06 to redefine unlawful activities associated with maintaining spaces for commercial sex. Additionally, it modifies section 796.07 to prohibit offering something of value in exchange for sexual activity, reclassifying penalties based on the number of offenses and requiring community service, educational programs, civil penalties, and sexually transmitted disease testing for those convicted.

Furthermore, the bill introduces provisions for judicial circuits to establish educational programs focused on the relationship between commercial sex and human trafficking, while removing the minimum mandatory incarceration period for repeat offenders to allow for judicial discretion. It also updates vehicle impoundment laws, background check requirements for service provider personnel, and includes provisions for nuisance abatement related to specific offenses. The bill enhances penalties for crimes involving children and sexual offenses, modifies definitions related to kidnapping and false imprisonment of minors, and ensures that funds from court assessments support rape crisis centers. Overall, HB 895 aims to strengthen legal measures against prostitution and related crimes, enhance public safety, and protect vulnerable populations, 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