Last updated January 2026
Internet and computer-based sex crime allegations are among the fastest-growing and most aggressively prosecuted offenses in Florida. These cases often involve undercover sting operations, digital communications, seized devices, and complex forensic evidence — long before formal charges are filed.
Unlike traditional sex crime allegations, internet sex crime cases frequently turn on intent, knowledge, and how digital evidence was obtained and interpreted. A single misstep early in an investigation can dramatically increase exposure.
If you are under investigation or have been arrested for an internet sex crime in Fort Lauderdale or South Florida, early legal intervention is critical.
🔍 What Are Internet Sex Crimes Under Florida Law?
Internet sex crimes involve alleged sexual offenses committed or facilitated through electronic means, including computers, smartphones, messaging apps, social media platforms, and file-sharing networks.
These cases are commonly charged under a combination of:
Florida statutes
Federal statutes
Task-force investigations involving state and federal agencies
👉 For a broader overview, see our guide to sex crimes in Florida.
⚖️ Common Internet & Computer Sex Crime Charges
🔸 Online Solicitation of a Minor
Allegations involving electronic communication with someone believed to be a minor for unlawful purposes.
Often initiated through undercover law-enforcement profiles
Frequently charged before any in-person contact occurs
🔸 Traveling to Meet a Minor
Charges may be filed when police allege someone traveled — or attempted to travel — to meet a minor after online communication.
Frequently paired with solicitation charges
Heavy reliance on chat logs and intent evidence
🔸 Undercover Sting Operations
Many internet sex crime cases originate from sting operations conducted by:
Local law-enforcement agencies
Multi-agency task forces
Federal authorities
These cases raise serious questions about:
Entrapment
Inducement
Predisposition
🔸 Transmission of Harmful Material to a Minor
Allegations involving sending images, videos, or explicit communications electronically.
Can include texts, social media, or messaging apps
Often overlaps with sexting-related offenses
🖥️ Possession or Distribution of CSAM (Sexual Performance by a Child)
Florida law refers to these offenses as sexual performance by a child under § 827.071, commonly known in search terms as “child pornography.”
These cases are aggressively prosecuted and often involve:
Search warrants for electronic devices
Digital forensic examinations
Allegations of possession, viewing, saving, or sharing files
Florida Charges
Possession is typically charged as a felony offense
Each image or file may be charged separately
Convictions can trigger mandatory sex-offender registration
Federal Exposure
Many cases are referred to federal authorities under:
18 U.S.C. §§ 2252 and 2252A
Federal cases often carry:
Mandatory minimum prison sentences
Significantly higher sentencing exposure
Prosecution by the FBI, Homeland Security, or U.S. Attorney’s Office
🔎 Digital Evidence, Devices, and Forensic Analysis
Internet sex crime cases often hinge on how digital evidence was obtained and analyzed.
Key issues include:
Legality of search warrants
Scope of device searches
Cloud storage and synced accounts
Metadata interpretation
Auto-downloads, caching, or background processes
Shared devices or accounts
👉 Learn more about illegal search and seizure in Florida and how digital evidence can be challenged.
🛡️ Common Defenses to Internet Sex Crime Allegations
Effective defenses depend on the facts, but often include:
🔹 Lack of Intent or Knowledge
The State must prove knowing and intentional conduct — not accidental downloads, auto-cached files, or misunderstood communications.
🔹 Entrapment
In sting operations, police must prove predisposition, not that they persuaded or pressured someone into conduct they otherwise would not have engaged in.
🔹 Unlawful Searches and Seizures
Overbroad warrants, improper device seizures, or warrantless searches can result in suppression of key evidence.
🔹 Misinterpretation of Digital Evidence
Digital files may be:
Corrupted
Misidentified
Never intentionally accessed
Automatically generated
Forensic conclusions are frequently challengeable.
⚠️ What to Do If You’re Being Investigated
If you believe you are under investigation for an internet sex crime:
Do not speak to law enforcement without an attorney
Do not consent to device searches
Do not attempt to explain or “clear things up”
Preserve potentially exculpatory evidence
Early legal intervention can prevent charges from being filed or limit exposure.
📞 Internet Sex Crime Defense in Fort Lauderdale
At Michael White, P.A., we defend individuals accused of internet and computer sex crimes throughout Fort Lauderdale and South Florida.
We understand:
Digital-forensic investigations
Sting-operation tactics
Federal and state charging decisions
📞 Call (954) 270-0769 or request a confidential consultation today.