Florida’s Fight Against Human Trafficking in 2023
Three years ago Polaris Project released a 2020 report that named Florida the 3rd highest state for human trafficking in the United States. Since then, Governor Desantis and others have been actively fighting human trafficking to protect Floridians and visitors to the Sunshine State. Today I want to look at some of the factors responsible for this heinous crime, what is being done to combat it and what individuals can do if they suspect someone is being trafficked.
Unsurprisingly, many of the same factors that contribute to sex trafficking across the country are also present in Florida. Florida was graded most recently as having a C by the Polaris Project, you can see the full report here. These include poverty next door to an abundance of luxury goods appealing to international tourists, interstate highways connecting metropolitan areas and entertainment spots, a large population of undocumented immigrants who may fear retribution if they report human traffickers, and sadly the demand for sex workers that all these people bring to Florida. You can find your state’s report card from the Polaris Project here.
Governor Desantis’ Response
Fortunately, Governor Desantis has taken proactive steps to address this issue by allocating $1 million towards hiring additional staff to help fight human trafficking. This increase in resources should go a long way towards strengthening existing anti-trafficking measures while also allowing law enforcement agencies across the state to expand their reach and better target areas with higher risk. Additionally, Governor Desantis has worked with local legislators and community leaders on creating anti-trafficking task forces throughout the state.
Consolidating their efforts together with local law enforcement agencies—such as Tampa Police Department's Human Trafficking Unit—to leverage data-driven approaches and improve overall outcomes. There have also been several bills introduced in both chambers of legislature that aim at increasing penalties for those convicted of sex trafficking as well as providing more assistance to victims who have been trafficked or forced into prostitution against their will.
As reported by ABC action news on Jan 10, 2022, Republican State Rep. Jackie Toledo, of Tampa, filed one such bill aimed at increasing penalties for first time offenders purchasing sex. HB 1439 would make a first offense a third-degree felony rather than a first-degree. These movements are being pushed in order to increase deterrence and are a part of the multifaceted approach required to address exploitation at all levels.
Some of these resources are best delivered through non governmental organizations like Mission 991, Inc. who provide mental health resources to victims and individuals at risk. A large part of stopping human trafficking is in educating the public about the danger and how some of their actions may be inadvertently contributing to the problem. Pornography remains a high demand and lucrative model for traffickers to exploit victims. Being able to address shame and guilt at its root before exploitation is a more proactive approach in hopes of preventing victimization.
What Can You Do?
The best way you can help is by being aware of potential signs of human trafficking so you can report any suspicious activity quickly and accurately. Common signs may include:
Someone appearing disoriented or confused about where they are.
Having limited freedom of movement.
Avoiding eye contact.
Appearing malnourished or showing signs of physical abuse.
Lacking proper identification documents.
Displaying fear when speaking about their situation.
If you suspect someone is being trafficked please reach out for help immediately by calling your local police department or dialing 1-888-373-7888 (The National Human Trafficking Hotline). Together we can work towards ending human trafficking nationally and in Florida!
Conclusion:
In 2020, Polaris Project named Florida one of the top states for human trafficking. Since then Governor Desantis has made fighting human trafficking his priority by allocating additional funding and working with local legislators on creating anti-trafficking task forces throughout our state. He has also partnered up with local law enforcement agencies like Tampa Police Department's Human Trafficking Unit so they can leverage data-driven approaches and make sure offenders are brought to justice while victims receive necessary assistance and care they need. Finally, it cannot be stressed enough how important it is that we all remain vigilant against this heinous crime - if you suspect someone is being trafficked please call your local police department or dial 1-888-373-7888 (The National Human Trafficking Hotline). Together we can link arms in this fight and you can support Mission 991, Inc. to help educate the public and bring valuable resources to victims and at risk youth. Support Mission 991, Inc. today here.
