In the State of Florida, it is illegal for anyone to derive support or benefit financially from prostitution. This law is aimed primarily at pimps and others who receive money in return for providing prostitution services. Massage parlor owners, escort service owners, pimps, and brothel madams can all be charged with this particular type sex crime. When convicted, these individuals who have derived support from prostitution will face the possibility of long incarcerations, huge fines, and felony convictions on their permanent records.
Definition of Deriving Support from Prostitution
Prostitution itself is defined as the giving or receiving of the body for sexual activity for hire. Florida State Statute 796.05 states that in order for a person to be charged with deriving support from prostitution within the State of Florida, three things must be proven.
- Another person must have been engaged in prostitution services.
- You must have reasonably believed or had knowledge that this person was engaged in prostitution.
- You shared in the earnings this person made from prostituting.
Penalties for Deriving Support from Prostitution
If you are suspected, accused, charged, and subsequently convicted of deriving support from prostitution, you will face serious consequences.
These consequences could include the following:
- Felony of the third degree
- Imprisonment of up to 5 years
- $5,000 fines
- Increased jail time and penalties for violent career criminals or habitual felony offenders
- Increased penalties and charges for prostitution involving a minor.