Prostitution is a misdemeanor. However, if you are deriving support from the proceeds of prostitution, you can be charged with a third-degree felony.
Florida Statute Section 796.05 makes it a third-degree felony to derive support from the proceeds of prostitution. This is the correct legal terminology for the crime of "pimping," or managing someone engaged in prostitution with the intent of producing income.
In recent years, this crime has become associated with human trafficking. Furthermore, Florida Statute Section 796.04 makes it a third-degree felony to force, compel, or coerce somebody to engage in prostitution.
A third-degree felony is punishable by up to 5 years in state prison.
Eric Matheny is a criminal defense attorney representing clients charged with prostitution-related offenses in Miami-Dade and Broward.