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TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — A first-of-its-kind report from the University of South Florida is shining a light on the high risk of human trafficking in the state.
“The 2024 State Report on Human Trafficking” commissioned by the state of Florida, estimated that more than 500,000 people were exploited in labor trafficking and 200,000 in sex trafficking within the state in the last year.
According to the report, minors are estimated to make up half the population being sex trafficked.
The report by the University of South Florida’s Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Risk to Resilience Lab indicates that Florida has one of the highest rates in the country for human trafficking.
“Human trafficking is considered a hidden crime, and its victims are often invisible,” said Joan Reid, director of the TIP Lab and a USF St. Petersburg criminology professor. “Given these circumstances, the key objective of this report is to make the hidden and invisible visible to those who have the responsibility to act toward disrupting human trafficking in our communities, counties, and state.”
Researchers said a number of factors contribute to Florida’s staggering numbers, including its high population, the number of major cities that host national and international events, prevalence of airports and ports, and major industries such as agriculture, tourism and entertainment.
The report also detailed how the state is working to disrupt human trafficking — including prevention efforts, prosecutions are increasing, and greater coordination among state agencies.
Researchers with the TIP Lab were able to collect and analyze anonymous human trafficking data from 30 state agencies and non-profit organizations, including from the Florida Department of Children and Families and the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay.
“We believe this annual report will make a substantial impact on anti-trafficking efforts, resulting in many adults and children being spared from the devastating consequences of human trafficking and many survivors receiving safe and effective assistance,” said State Senator Darryl Rouson, the Senate Appropriations sponsor of the TIP Lab.
“A report like this had not been done in the past because it seemed impossible to gather all these strands of data located with so many different organizations,” Reid said. “We are extremely grateful for both the state mandate to collect all this data and the funding to make it a reality and support the state’s ongoing response to combat trafficking.”
To see the full report click here.
