Florida's Prostitution Solicitation Database to Shut Down in January

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) will no longer offer the Soliciting for Prostitution Public Database online after Jan. 1, 2024.

According to the department's website, “individuals who are convicted (regardless of adjudication) on or after Jan. 1, 2021” are currently being placed on the Soliciting for Prostitution Public Database.

The database hosts a collection of data related to solicitation cases and is a resource for law enforcement agencies and researchers. Updated on a weekly basis, it currently includes the names and addresses of about 386 individuals. Due to the Legislature not re-enacting funding for the database, an FDLE spokesperson has confirmed it will be removing it from the Internet indefinitely on Jan. 1.

According to The Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability (OPPAGA), prostitution is seen as a minor offense. However, in an attempt to reduce prostitution demand, the database was instilled as a means to publicly shame criminals and discourage them from reoffending. OPPAGA’s review of the database found that the multistep process in uploading information on such individuals caused delays in publication. This, coupled with lack of awareness of the database by the public and the limited information it provides, confines its effectiveness.