January marks Human Trafficking Prevention Month, a time to raise awareness of this crime that exploits millions of individuals. Sex and labor trafficking are prevalent in Florida and often occur behind closed doors and out of public view. Human trafficking continues to impact communities across Florida, and the state currently ranks third in the nation for reported cases. Victims are often tough to identify and reach, making education and prevention critical. During this month, we pause to recognize warning signs, promote prevention efforts, and support victims.
In an effort to help identify human trafficking victims, this session I filed HB 303 – Human Trafficking Training for Nursing Students, with Senator Gayle Harrell (R–Stuart). Frontline healthcare workers, especially nurses, play a key role in identifying trafficking and helping victims access safety and services. Nurses are often the first and sometimes the only healthcare professionals to encounter victims of human trafficking. They see patients in emergency rooms, hospitals, and clinics, and are uniquely positioned to recognize warning signs and connect individuals with help. However, under current law, nurses are not required to complete human trafficking training until license renewal, which can occur up to two years after entering the workforce. This creates an unnecessary gap where newly licensed nurses, many with no prior training, may encounter vulnerable human trafficking victims without the knowledge needed to identify or assist them. The bill requires schools to incorporate the state’s existing two-hour human trafficking prevention course into their programs and requires that the training be completed within 6 months prior to graduation. Moving up the timeline will strengthen clinical readiness and ensure newly licensed nurses enter the workforce prepared to identify and respond to trafficking from day one.
Not only do health care professionals need to be trained and vigilant, but parents must also stay informed in order to protect their children from online predators seeking their next victim. Stay involved in your child’s online world by monitoring their social media activity and maintaining open communication about the risks posed by online predators. Encourage children to keep their accounts private, avoid accepting messages or friend requests from people they do not know in real life, and never share personal information such as their school, location, or phone number online. Set clear rules around screen time and social media use, regularly review privacy settings together, and remind children to trust their instincts if an interaction feels uncomfortable. Teach them to recognize warning signs such as excessive flattery, pressure to keep secrets, requests for photos, offers of gifts, or “opportunities” that seem too good to be true, and remind them never to meet anyone in person whom they have only met online. Make sure they know they can always turn to a trusted adult for help without fear of punishment.
If you or someone you know may be at risk, these confidential resources are available 24/7:
• National Human Trafficking Hotline: Call or text 1-888-373-7888
• Text: “HELP” to 233733 (BEFREE)
• Florida Human Trafficking Resource Line: 1-855-FLA-SAFE
I want to wish everyone a happy and healthy New Year. The 2026 Regular Session begins January 13, and I look forward to continuing my work on behalf of our community in the months ahead. It is an honor to serve you, and my office is here to assist with any issues or concerns. Please feel free to contact me anytime at [email protected], our office at (954) 872-1770, or on my personal cell at (954) 668-366
