During this session of CAHT, Florida significantly expanded its anti-trafficking laws by enacting House Bill 1283 and Senate Bill 1804. Both relating to Capital Human Trafficking of Vulnerable Persons for Sexual Exploitation
These measures establish “Capital Human Trafficking of Vulnerable Persons for Sexual Exploitation” as a felony, punishing adults who exploit children under 12 or mentally incapacitated individuals with life imprisonment or the death penalty.
Key components of recent anti-trafficking legislation include:
Capital Penalties (HB 1283 / SB 1804): Imposes the death penalty or life imprisonment without parole for individuals 18 or older who knowingly organize or direct a human trafficking venture involving sexual exploitation of a child under 12 or a mentally incapacitated person.
Mandatory School Training (SB 444 – Human Trafficking Awareness): Requires the Department of Education to implement a human trafficking awareness curriculum. All public school instructional, administrative, and support personnel who interact with students must complete this training to help identify and report suspected victims.
Data Tracking System (SB 7064/TIPSTR): Establishes a centralized, statewide repository for anonymous human trafficking data, consolidating reports from state and local agencies into the USF Trafficking in Persons lab to better map and combat trafficking statewide.
Enhanced Signage and Reporting: Continues to mandate clear public awareness postings (with the updated 1-855-FLA-SAFE hotline number) across high-risk establishments,
Some Key Florida human trafficking laws and their specific impacts:
Florida Statute 5787.06 (Human Trafficking Offenses): Establishes trafficking for labor or sexual services as a first-degree felony, punishable by up to 30 years in prison. Trafficking a minor or a disabled individual for commercial sex acts is classified as a life felony, carrying penalties of up to life in prison.
Civil Remedies for Victims: Under Florida Statute *772.104, victims of human trafficking can sue their traffickers in civil court and are entitled to recover up to three times their actual financial damages.
Vacation of Convictions: Florida Statute {943.0583 allows survivors of human trafficking to petition the court to expunge criminal records for offenses (such as prostitution) that they were compelled to commit while being trafficked.
Minor Protections: By state law (linked via the Florida Courts Human Trafficking Overview), minors cannot legally consent to commercial sex acts and are completely exempt from criminal prosecution for prostitution charges.
Business & Public Awareness Mandates: Florida law enforces mandatory human trafficking awareness training, procedures for reporting to the National Human Trafficking Hotline, and posted warning signs for licensed public lodging establishments (e.g., hotels) as outlined in Florida Statute 509.096. This includes massage parlors, public lodging, and adult entertainment venues.