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Florida has been working to understand and address human trafficking for decades, and now there's a statewide report that puts real numbers to the problem
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Researchers estimate more than 700,000 people were trafficked in the state last year alone
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That includes 500,000 forced into labor and another 200,000 exploited for sex
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The data comes from the 2024 state report on human trafficking commissioned by Florida and compiled by the University of South Florida
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It found that minors make up half of sex trafficking victims and a quarter of those are exploited for labor
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A big part of the risk, experts say, comes from Florida's geography. The state's major airports, ports and highways combined with a fast growing economy make it a prime target for traffickers
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But state leaders say enforcement is catching up. Florida is increasing prosecution, strengthening coordination between agencies
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and pushing some of the toughest anti-trafficking laws in the country. In June, Governor Ron DeSantis signed a bill into law creating the most severe trafficking charge under Florida statute
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Under the new felony offense, adults who profit from the sexual exploitation of children under 12
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will now face life in prison or even the death penalty. For more on this story, download the Straight Arrow News app or visit san.com
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For Straight Arrow News, I'm Kaylee Carey
