Jimmy Flynt: Naples, Fla., SOB Law Is Outdated

NAPLES, Fla. — Jimmy Flynt describes his Florida store as a "classy boutique" that just sells lingerie, shoes, oils and marital health-and-wellness devices.

But county officials have told him that the three-month-old Flynt's Sexy Gifts is a sexually oriented business and not permitted to operate at its strip mall location in North Naples, Fla.

As a result, Flynt's business has been found noncompliant by county officials after six inspections, and his landlord, Hovland Inc., has sued to evict him.

"This law is outdated," Flynt told XBIZ on Monday. "In conservative Collier County, [enforcement of the ordinance] has gone on for some time. But business changes, people change, and laws should change too."

Collier County's Sexually Oriented Business Location and Regulation Ordinance was placed into law in 1991 after the then-local chapter of Morality in Media wanted to prevent a gentlemen's club from opening up in Naples.

The ordinance outlaws videos, novelties and books that include depictions of genitalia, buttocks and nipples. And, no more 25 percent of its inventory can be sexually oriented.

Now Flynt, who says he's compliant with the ordinance, has tapped a Fort Lauderdale attorney to litigate the latest kerfuffle so that he can continue operations in Naples.

"We have high-tech merchandise, like some brands from Lelo, and we truly believe that it's time to get away from the language we've used in the past 30 years," Jimmy Flynt said. "The merchandise is health-and-wellness products or, as I like to call it, marital aides."

With the eviction suit going forward, the store faces another inspection on Aug. 23. Its landlord faces a $500 penalty and $1,000 in daily fines, as well as misdemeanor prosecution

It's not the first legal challenge for Flynt's Sexy Gifts in its short history. Flynt, who has opened two other businesses in Kentucky, recently was sued by brother Larry over use of the family name in the Florida retail operation. That case is pending.

Copyright © 2024 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

BasisDx Adds Expedited Results Option for 'Pro13' Home Testing Kit

PASS-certified home testing kit provider BasisDx has added a new option for expedited test results for its Pro13 kit.

Kiiroo, Pineapple Support Launch 'Empower Hour' Series on FeelHubX YouTube Channel

Kiiroo and Pineapple Support have teamed up to launch the “Empower Hour” series on the FeelHubX YouTube channel.

Kansas Law Firm Deploys Religion, Bunk Science While Recruiting Plaintiffs Under AV Law

Kansas-based personal injury law firm Mann Wyatt Tanksley is promoting debunked scientific theories and leveraging religious affiliation against the industry while it seeks potential plaintiffs for lawsuits against adult companies under the state’s age verification law.

UK Tech Secretary Lists Age Verification Among OSA Priorities

Peter Kyle, the U.K.’s Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, on Wednesday made public a draft version of his priorities for implementing the Online Safety Act (OSA), including age verification.

Orion Debuts 'Suck-O-Mat 3' Masturbator

Orion Wholesale has introduced the third edition of its Suck-O-Mat masturbator.

Biird Debuts 'Ohwii' Glass Dildo

Biird has introduced Ohwii, its new double-ended glass dildo.

Sportsheets Releases New Training Video for 'Edge' Line

Sportsheets has released its latest training video, titled "Edge Product Training," the third in a series hosted by Brand Ambassador Rin Musick.

Exsens Marks Its 10th Anniversary

Intimate wellness and body care brand Exsens is celebrating its 10-year anniversary.

Honey Play Box Debuts 'Trill' Vibrator

Honey Play Box has debuted its new Trill app-controlled vibrator, which joins Melody and Elektra in the company's Kegel toy collection.

10th Circuit Rejects Final FSC Appeal in Utah AV Case

The United States Court of Appeals for the 10th Circuit on Monday rejected a motion by Free Speech Coalition (FSC) requesting that the full court rehear its appeal in Free Speech Coalition v. Anderson, the industry trade association’s challenge to Utah’s age verification law.

Show More