Florida criminal charge
Forcing, compelling, or coercing another to become a prostitute in Florida
Forcing, compelling, or coercing another to become a prostitute is a Felony of the Third Degree under Florida criminal law, defined by Fla. Stat. § 796.04. As a Felony of the Third Degree, it is punishable within the statutory sentencing range Florida sets for that offense class. Florida sorts criminal offenses into felonies, misdemeanors, and petty offenses, each carrying its own penalty range.
Defined by Fla. Stat. § 796.04.
What is the penalty for forcing, compelling, or coercing another to become a prostitute in Florida?
| Penalty | Range | Basis | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jail / prison | up to 5 years (no statutory minimum) | discretionary | Fla. Stat. § 775.082 |
| Fine | up to $5,000 (or up to double the pecuniary gain/loss (s. 775.083(1)(f)); statutes may authorize higher (s. 775.083(1)(g))) | discretionary | Fla. Stat. § 775.082 |
Applies to current (2025 Florida Statutes).
Common questions about forcing, compelling, or coercing another to become a prostitute in Florida
Is forcing, compelling, or coercing another to become a prostitute a felony or a misdemeanor in Florida?
Forcing, compelling, or coercing another to become a prostitute is a Felony of the Third Degree in Florida under Fla. Stat. § 796.04.
What are the penalties for forcing, compelling, or coercing another to become a prostitute in Florida?
As a Felony of the Third Degree, forcing, compelling, or coercing another to become a prostitute carries up to 5 years (statutory maximum; the Criminal Punishment Code scoresheet (s. 921.0024) sets the lowest permissible sentence) of incarceration and a fine of up to $5,000 (statutory ceiling under s. 775.083; the alternatives in s. 775.083(1)(f)-(g) may exceed it) under Fla. Stat. § 775.082 (current (2025 Florida Statutes)).
Which Florida statute covers forcing, compelling, or coercing another to become a prostitute?
Forcing, compelling, or coercing another to become a prostitute is governed by Fla. Stat. § 796.04 (Forcing, compelling, or coercing another to become a prostitute).
This reference is informational and is not legal advice. Penalty ranges are the statutory classification ranges; sentencing in a specific case depends on its facts and history.