Jimmy Flynt: Naples, Fla., SOB Law Is Outdated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"This law is outdated," Flynt told XBIZ on Monday.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.

Related:  

Copyright © 2025 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

Missouri AG Announces Age Verification Rule to Take Effect Nov. 30

Newly appointed Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway announced Friday that the state's recently approved age verification regulation for adult websites will go into effect on Nov. 30.

Aylo, Woodhull Freedom Foundation to Host 'Online Censorship' Event

Aylo and Woodhull Freedom Foundation will co-host a virtual panel addressing online censorship on Sept. 30.

ProDx Health Launches Affiliate Program

ProDx Health has launched an affiliate program for creators and other members of the adult industry that promote its home-collection testing kits.

Lovense 'Ferri' Spotlighted on Wired.com

Lovense’s Ferri has been spotlighted on Wired.com.

Judge Awards Plaintiffs Over $400K in Attorneys Fees in Derek Hay Civil Case

California Superior Court Judge Gail Killefer has awarded former clients of LA Direct Models over $400,000 in attorneys fees and court costs, to be paid by agency founder Derek Hay.

Orion Debuts New Style From Cottelli Lingerie

Orion Wholesale has added a new style from its Cottelli Lingerie line.

JO Debuts Stroker-Optimized Lube

JO has introduced its new Stroker Lube, engineered for use with strokers and sleeves.

Lightning Star World Debuts Aubrey Kate Stroker, Dildo

Pleasure brand Lightning Star World has introduced its new Aubrey Kate Collection.

B-Vibe '360 Plug' Spotlighted on Wired.com

B-Vibe’s 360 Plug has been spotlighted on Wired.com.

Former Backpage CEO Carl Ferrer Sentenced to 3 Years Probation, $40,000 Fine

Former Backpage.com CEO Carl Ferrer was sentenced in federal court today to three years' probation and a $40,000 restitution fine for a conspiracy conviction related to money laundering through the defunct website.

Show More