Human Trafficking Facts for Florida

Jan 22, 2025

Human trafficking is an issue that impacts the global population and has seen a concerning rise following the pandemic. With forced labor, criminality, and sexual exploitation being some of the most common reasons for human trafficking, this modern form of slavery affects over 40 million victims worldwide. You may be surprised to learn that Florida is often one of the top states in the country regarding statistics about human trafficking in the U.S. We hope to help raise awareness about human trafficking and share some key facts about this issue within the state of Florida.

What is Human Trafficking?

Human trafficking is the unlawful transportation or coercion of people to benefit from their services or work. There are various types of human trafficking, with labor trafficking and sex trafficking being the most common concerns. Traffickers use threats, false promises, or violence to trick their victims into this form of modern slavery. Many misconceptions about human trafficking exist, and many people are even shocked to learn it takes place in the U.S. and Florida. Trafficking does not always involve sex; sometimes, it is for forced labor, organ trafficking, or domestic service. While one may think that violence is always involved, there’s also psychological manipulation, such as tricking the victim into believing they’ll enjoy a better life.

Why Florida is Vulnerable to Human Trafficking

There are many reasons why Florida ranks as one of the top states for human trafficking in the country. The geographic location of the state and its transient population make some of the practices of traffickers easier than they would be for them in a landlocked state. Demographics have a significant impact on trafficking, with tourism and agriculture also increasing the risks of human trafficking. As a high-ranking state for reported human trafficking cases, residents and visitors to Florida should be aware of this concern. The urban hubs and transit routes within the state also contribute to vulnerability and increase the likelihood of anyone becoming a victim compared to many other states.

Key Statistics on Human Trafficking in Florida

Florida currently ranks as the third highest state in the U.S. for human trafficking cases, sitting behind California and Texas. 2023, over 2,100 cases were reported, most of which involved children. Within the state, sex trafficking is the most common form of human trafficking. As technology usage has increased, traffickers groom or exploit their victims online, making this issue an even more significant challenge to control.

Of the reported cases in Florida in 2023, 1,600 involved children. Another demographic targeted in the state is tourists, who come to Florida to enjoy the theme parks and beaches and become easier victims to exploit. Miami-Dade County has the highest reported cases, with 222 incidents of sex or labor trafficking in 2023, and 67% of these victims are residents. The hospitality and agriculture industries are the ones most at risk, and with hospitality being so prominent in Florida, this is one of the reasons it’s such a massive concern in the state.

Signs of Human Trafficking

There are specific indicators to look out for if you are concerned that someone is a potential victim of human trafficking. Victims may show signs of physical injuries or abuse and appear malnourished. They avoid social interactions or eye contact, especially with authority figures and law enforcement. It may seem like they share rehearsed or scripted responses when you engage with them, and victims often don’t carry official IDs or documents. Florida settings where you may want to watch for victims include transportation hubs such as bus stations, airports, hotels, and motels.

Laws and Initiatives in Florida

The state of Florida classifies human trafficking as a form of modern slavery. Florida’s Attorney General has taken a zero-tolerance approach to these cases, showcasing a commitment to support victims within the state. Human trafficking is a second-degree felony, and someone found guilty faces serious charges. These could include a combination of 15 to 30 years imprisonment, up to 30 years’ probation, sexual offender registration for life, fines of up to $10,000, and federal felony convictions.

Florida has task forces throughout its many counties. Contacting your local task force or coalition is one of the best ways to find out what’s being done in your local community to combat human trafficking. The Florida Statewide Council on Human Trafficking works to build on existing regional and state partnerships to fight human trafficking and support victims.

How You Can Help

As a member of the Florida community, you might wonder what you can do to support victims in your area and raise awareness about human trafficking. Suppose you are looking to support anti-trafficking efforts in Florida. In that case, we recommend donating to a local organization or volunteering to assist with their efforts to raise awareness and funds for this cause. Should you notice anyone in your local community displaying signs of human trafficking or observing suspicious activity, report this immediately to national and local hotline numbers.

The local community needs to continue to advocate for stronger laws and better victim resources to show their support for anyone impacted by human trafficking. You might also want to donate to Bridging Freedom, which works to provide care and therapy for minor sex trafficking victims in the Tampa Bay area.

While it’s certainly alarming to learn more about the statistics surrounding human trafficking in the state of Florida, equipping yourself with this knowledge and continuing to educate other residents allows us all to play our part in supporting victims. Many initiatives and organizations throughout the state work hard to overcome human trafficking, and we encourage you to continue to learn more about this cause and get involved where you can. For more information about human trafficking in Florida, check out the additional resources below or contact our team.