Solicitation of Prostitution Defense Lawyer in Jacksonville, Florida 

Arrested in a Sting Operation? You Need an Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney Immediately.

Florida aggressively prosecutes allegations of solicitation of prostitution, especially through undercover sting operations in Jacksonville, Jacksonville Beach, Clay County, St. Johns County, and Nassau County. A solicitation arrest can be humiliating, confusing, and overwhelming — and the consequences can follow you for life.

At Mesic Law, we defend good people who suddenly find themselves facing a criminal charge they never expected. We know how these cases are built, how stings work, and how to challenge the evidence.

What Is Solicitation of Prostitution Under Florida Law?

Solicitation is governed by Fla. Stat. § 796.07, which makes it illegal to:

• Ask,
• Offer,
• Agree, or
• Attempt

to give something of value in exchange for sexual activity.

You can be arrested even if:

• No sexual activity occurred
• No money changed hands
• You never went through with the meeting
• The conversation was vague or confusing
• The undercover officer initiated the sexual language

The allegation — not the act — is enough for police to file charges.

How Solicitation Charges Usually Happen in Jacksonville

Most solicitation arrests come from one of the following:

➤ Online Sting Operations

Police post vague ads on websites and social platforms. Undercover officers:

• Reply to your messages
• Introduce the sexual content
• Suggest meeting locations
• Push for an agreement
• Create the appearance of criminal intent

This often leads to entrapment issues.

➤ Hotel or Parking Lot Stings

Officers rent hotel rooms or use informants to lure individuals into controlled locations where they record conversations and make immediate arrests.

Many people arrested had no criminal intent and did not understand what they were walking into.

Penalties for Solicitation of Prostitution in Florida

Solicitation is a first-degree misdemeanor, punishable by:

• Up to 1 year in jail
• Up to 1 year of probation
• Court fines and costs
• Driver’s license suspension up to 1 year
• Mandatory conditions under § 796.07(5)(c)

⭐ Florida’s Mandatory Penalties (No Exceptions)

Under § 796.07(5)(c), every person convicted must receive:

• Mandatory $5,000 civil penalty
• Mandatory 100 hours of community service
• Mandatory educational program (“John School”)

These cannot be waived — even for first-time offenders.

A conviction can never be sealed, which is why fighting the case early is critical.

Understanding the Different Subsections of Florida’s Solicitation Law

796.07(2)(f) – Typical Solicitation Charge

Covers asking, offering, or agreeing to engage in prostitution.

796.07(2)(e) – Transporting Someone for Prostitution

Used when police think you drove or assisted someone who is engaging in prostitution.

796.07(2)(h) – Renting a Room for Prostitution

Applied when a hotel or room is reserved or paid for in your name.

796.07(5)(b) – Felony Enhancements

Triggered when minors or trafficking-related factors are alleged.

796.07(5)(c) – Mandatory $5,000 Fine & 100 Hours Community Service

Applies even to otherwise law-abiding citizens with no criminal record.

How prosecutors classify your case determines whether you face a misdemeanor, enhancements, or potential felony exposure.

Defenses to Solicitation Charges

Mesic Law evaluates every angle of the case, including:

✔ Entrapment

If the officer created the criminal intent or pushed you toward illegal conduct, the case may collapse.

✔ No Clear Agreement

Many conversations are vague, misunderstood, or misinterpreted.

✔ Officer Initiated Illegal Discussion

If police escalated the conversation, that becomes a powerful defense issue.

✔ Lack of Intent

You may not have intended to engage in prostitution at all.

✔ Illegal Stop, Detention, or Search

Police often overstep constitutional boundaries during stings.

✔ Problems With Text Messages or Recordings

Messages are frequently incomplete, edited, or taken out of context.

Every solicitation case is unique — and many are defensible.

Cases Involving “Pimping” or Facilitating Prostitution

Some arrests involve allegations of:

• Driving someone
• Renting a room
• Handling communication
• Being present during an undercover negotiation
• Receiving money from someone engaged in prostitution

These are charged under different subsections and can escalate to felonies.

Mesic Law aggressively challenges these accusations, which are often based on assumptions rather than evidence.

Why You Should Hire Mesic Law Immediately

Solicitation cases move fast. Early intervention can mean:

• Avoiding the mandatory penalties
• Preventing formal filing
• Securing diversion (when available)
• Reducing or dismissing charges
• Protecting your job, license, and reputation

You should never speak to police or go to court alone.
We handle everything for you.

⭐ Call Mesic Law — Protect Your Future Today

If you or a loved one has been arrested for solicitation or caught in an undercover sting, call us immediately. The consequences are severe, and the stakes are high — but you do not have to face this alone.

📞 Call (904) 615-8950
🔗Schedule a confidential consultation today:
https://www.mesiclaw.com/contact-us/

Mesic Law — Experienced. Strategic. Judgment-Free Defense.