Sting Operations in Florida Solicitation Cases — What Really Happens 

Florida’s solicitation cases overwhelmingly come from undercover sting operations. Unfortunately, many people arrested in these stings had no intent to break the law and are caught off-guard by aggressive police tactics.

This page explains how sting operations work, why they lead to questionable arrests, and how Mesic Law defends clients charged under 796.07.

How Police Create Solicitation Stings

Law enforcement uses two main strategies:

1. Online Undercover Operations

Officers post vague ads on:

• Social media
• Dating apps
• Various websites

These ads often do not mention prostitution.

Once someone replies, the officer gradually inserts:

• sexually explicit language
• requests for money
• “code words”
• price negotiations

This type of sting often leads to entrapment arguments.

2. In-Person Hotel or Parking Lot Stings

Police set up an undercover officer or confidential informant at:

• hotels
• motels
• rented rooms
• apartments
• parking lots

Common tactics include:

• telling the person “come hang out”
• using vague or misleading language
• introducing illegal conduct only after the person arrives
• encouraging agreement even if the person hesitates
• continuing to push the conversation forward

Entrapment in Solicitation Cases

Entrapment occurs when law enforcement:

• pressures someone to commit a crime,
• escalates the conversation,
• initiates explicit language,
• repeatedly requests illegal conduct,
• manipulates the conversation to create evidence.

Entrapment is a valid legal defense — and many sting operations involve entrapment-like behavior.

Common Weaknesses in Sting Operation Cases

Mesic Law frequently identifies:

• no explicit agreement
• vague communications
• officer initiating sexual discussion
• misleading language in the ad
• incomplete or edited text messages
• lack of intent
• unconstitutional detentions
• illegal searches of phones or vehicles

How Mesic Law Defends Sting Operation Cases

We examine:

• the entire online conversation
• undercover officer conduct
• recordings
• bodycam footage
• timing of statements
• whether the officer created the criminal intent
• whether required elements of the statute were met

Early intervention often results in reduced charges, diversion, or outright dismissal.

⭐ Call Mesic Law If You Were Arrested in a Sting Operation

You only get one chance to protect your record.
We are here to help you, not judge you.

 Call (904) 615-8950
 Contact us immediately: https://www.mesiclaw.com/contact-us/