Penalties for Prostitution and Related Acts

HB 257, a withdrawn Florida bill (filed but not introduced), proposed increasing penalties for prostitution-related offenses. It would have reclassified repeat violations as higher-level misdemeanors or felonies (e.g., third offense as a third-degree felony) and added provisions for vehicle impoundment when vehicles are used in violations. The bill also aimed to tie license suspensions for massage therapists to arrests for violating prostitution laws, particularly affecting licensed massage establishments. It did not become law, as it was withdrawn before introduction on October 24, 2025. The bill’s key focus was strengthening criminal penalties and professional licensing consequences for prostitution-related activities.