The proposed bill seeks to amend various sections of Florida law concerning prostitution and related offenses, introducing new definitions for terms such as "adult," "assignation," "commercial sex," and "prostitution" under section 796.011. It prohibits adults from engaging in or offering prostitution, lewdness, or assignation, and establishes penalties that include mandatory educational programs on the negative effects of commercial sex. The bill repeals section 796.04, which addresses coercion into prostitution, and amends section 796.06 to impose stricter penalties for maintaining spaces used for commercial sex activities. Additionally, it enhances penalties for repeat offenders under section 796.07 and mandates community service, educational program attendance, civil penalties, and sexually transmitted disease testing for those convicted of related offenses.

Moreover, the bill updates the regulatory framework for massage therapists and establishments, expanding the list of offenses that can lead to the denial of license applications or renewals to include violations related to prostitution. It also modifies the classification of certain offenses, changing the classification of a third or subsequent violation of section 796.07 from a third-degree felony to a first-degree felony. The bill establishes provisions for the revocation or suspension of licenses for massage establishments associated with individuals convicted of prostitution-related crimes and declares any place used for such violations a public nuisance. Additionally, it amends Section 938.085 to impose a $151 surcharge on individuals convicted of specified offenses, with funds allocated to the Rape Crisis Program Trust Fund. The act is set to take effect on October 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
S 1660 Filed: 796.04, 796.06, 796.07, 60.05, 322.28, 397.4073, 397.417, 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