Struggles of Human Trafficking in Florida
When it comes to human trafficking, Florida ranks among the worst. A first-of-its-kind state-commissioned study by the University of South Florida’s Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Risk to Resilience Lab estimates that over 700,000 Floridians were victims of human trafficking in 2024, including 500,000 labor-trafficking victims and 200,000 sex-trafficking victims.
The report reveals that minors accounted for roughly half of the sex-trafficking victims and about a quarter of those in labor trafficking.
Florida’s vulnerability stems from its demographics and industries. Large population centers, thriving tourism, major ports and airports, and expansive agriculture and entertainment sectors all create fertile ground for trafficking operations.
To create the report, researchers aggregated anonymous data from 30 state agencies, nonprofits, and public surveys, supported by the state law passed in 2023 designating USF’s TIP Lab as the official data repository.
The report evaluates risk, resilience, and response across Florida’s counties, spotlighting areas like Orange County. The area is highly vulnerable due to tourism and infrastructure, yet also relatively resilient thanks to robust anti-trafficking efforts.
The report also tracked the prevalence of illicit massage businesses, which often serve as fronts for sex and labor trafficking. When measured by population, Naples, Orange Park, Port Richey, and North Palm Beach had the highest concentration of such establishments. In terms of sheer numbers, the largest clusters were found in Orlando, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Jacksonville, Pompano Beach, and West Palm Beach.
From 2019 through 2024, Broward County consistently recorded the most illicit massage businesses in the state, followed by Palm Beach County and Miami-Dade County.
The report isn’t just diagnostic. It offers an actionable, data-informed roadmap for bolstering prevention, protection, prosecution, policy, and partnership efforts statewide.
Florida’s Top Counties and Cities for Human Trafficking Risk
The report identifies several high-risk regions, largely due to tourism, agriculture, and major transportation hubs:
- Orlando/Orange County. High tourist traffic around theme parks and convention centers increases both sex and labor trafficking risks. While vulnerable, the county also has strong nonprofit and law-enforcement coalitions that improve resilience.
- Miami-Dade County. As a gateway for international travel and commerce, Miami is one of the state’s largest trafficking hubs. Ports, airports, and nightlife industries create opportunities for both sex and labor exploitation.
- Tampa Bay Area (Hillsborough and Pinellas Counties). With a large service economy, port activity, and migrant labor, Tampa ranks among the top metro areas for reported trafficking cases.
- Jacksonville/Duval County. Florida’s busiest cargo port and highway crossroads contribute to trafficking vulnerabilities.
Contact a Legal Professional for Help
Human trafficking is a serious issue that is continuing to grow. Florida is especially susceptible to human trafficking for various reasons and law enforcement officials are taking note.
A human trafficking charge can affect you for the rest of your life. You could face felony charges. Protect yourself with help from a Florida minor sex offense lawyer from the Law Offices of Gilbert A. Schaffnit. Call (352) 505-1799 or fill out the online form to schedule a consultation.
Source:
floridaphoenix.com/2025/07/10/report-details-prominent-cities-for-human-trafficking-in-florida/
