Human Trafficking in Florida: What Survivors Need to Know

Human Trafficking in Florida: What Victims Need to Know About Their Rights

human trafficking

Human trafficking isn’t just a distant issue—it’s happening right here in Florida. Behind the headlines are real victims whose lives are torn apart by exploitation, fear, and violence. Traffickers prey on vulnerability, often targeting those seeking safety, stability, or opportunity.

At Victim Advocate, we work to ensure survivors of sex trafficking and human trafficking understand their rights and have access to justice. When the system fails to protect, victims still deserve accountability and support.

Understanding Human Trafficking in Florida

Florida consistently ranks among the top states in the nation for reported cases of human trafficking. The state’s large tourism industry, international travel hubs, and agricultural regions unfortunately create environments where traffickers exploit victims for profit.

What Is Human Trafficking?

Human trafficking involves the use of force, fraud, or coercion to exploit individuals for labor or commercial sex. Victims can be any age, gender, or background. In many cases, traffickers use threats, manipulation, or false promises to maintain control.

Common Forms of Trafficking in Florida

  • Sex Trafficking: Involves coercing victims—often women, teens, or minors—into commercial sex acts.

  • Labor Trafficking: Occurs when victims are forced to work in industries such as agriculture, construction, or hospitality under exploitative conditions.

  • Domestic Servitude: Victims may be confined to homes where they are forced to work long hours with little or no pay.

Recognizing the Signs of Trafficking

Human trafficking can be difficult to spot, but certain red flags may indicate someone is in danger:

  • Fearful or submissive behavior

  • Signs of physical abuse or neglect

  • Lack of personal identification documents

  • Being accompanied by someone who controls communication

  • Working long hours for little or no pay

  • Restricted freedom of movement

If you suspect someone may be a victim of trafficking, contact law enforcement or the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 for confidential support.

How Victim Advocate Helps Survivors Seek Justice

At Victim Advocate, we believe every survivor deserves more than recovery—they deserve justice. Our team helps survivors pursue civil compensation against those who enabled or profited from trafficking, including:

  • Negligent property owners or hotel operators who ignored signs of trafficking

  • Businesses that failed to provide adequate security or training to prevent exploitation

  • Individuals or entities that directly benefited from trafficking operations

Through these civil cases, survivors can seek compensation for medical care, trauma counseling, lost wages, and pain and suffering—while holding accountable those who turned a blind eye.

Your Rights as a Survivor

Survivors of human trafficking in Florida have important rights under both state and federal law, including the right to:

  • Seek confidential victim services

  • Access crime victim compensation funds

  • File civil claims against negligent third parties

  • Receive immigration protections (for non-U.S. citizens coerced into trafficking)

Victim Advocate works closely with survivors to ensure they understand these rights and receive compassionate, confidential support throughout the process.

Contact a Florida Victim Advocate Today

Escaping trafficking is only the first step. Healing requires safety, stability, and justice—and that’s where Victim Advocate comes in. We provide personalized guidance, frequent updates, and 24/7 communication so survivors never feel alone.

If you or someone you know is a survivor of human trafficking or sex trafficking in Florida, contact Victim Advocate today. Schedule your free case assessment and speak directly with your victim advocate to learn how we can help protect your safety rights and hold offenders accountable.

FAQs: Human Trafficking in Florida

Who can file a civil claim for human trafficking in Florida?
Survivors of trafficking may be eligible to file claims against property owners, employers, or third parties whose negligence allowed the trafficking to occur.

 Is my information kept confidential if I contact Victim Advocate?
Yes. All communications with Victim Advocate are confidential. We prioritize your safety and privacy.

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Brandon Stein is a Florida based trial attorney born in Queens, New York, and was raised in East Brunswick, New Jersey. Being the son of an accountant that owns a large firm in New Jersey, owning and operating a business is something that was engrained within Brandon Stein from a very young age...[READ BIO]

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