The number of children involved in commercial sexual exploitation in Florida reached a four-year high in 2024, according to a recent report by the Florida Legislature’s research arm. The Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability (OPPAGA) revealed that there were 379 verified victims, marking an 11.8% increase from 2023’s 339 cases.
Despite this rise, the figures remain below the 10-year peak of 400 verified victims recorded in 2018. The report highlights that of the 379 victims, a staggering 91% were female, with the majority aged between 15 and 17. Broward County reported the highest number of cases, followed by Miami-Dade, Palm Beach, Polk, and Duval counties.
Understanding the Numbers
Since 2015, the Florida Department of Child and Family Services has identified over 3,000 victims of commercial sexual exploitation, averaging 361 annually. Interestingly, while the number of verified victims increased in 2024, the overall reports and investigations saw a decline compared to the previous year. In 2023, there were 3,358 reports and 1,448 investigations, whereas 2024 saw a reduction to 2,797 reports and 1,340 investigations.
The decrease in reports and investigations could be attributed to increased public awareness and legislative measures. Laws enacted between 2015 and 2022 mandated training for prospective foster parents to identify exploitation and required human trafficking signage in residential treatment centers.
Legislative Measures and Funding
Over the past decade, Florida has implemented several legislative measures aimed at combating human trafficking. The Florida Safe Harbor Act of 2012 established safe houses for victims, while a 2016 bill ensured that minors could not be prosecuted for prostitution, reframing such cases as human trafficking.
In fiscal 2025, service providers in Florida received over $15 million from state appropriations and federal victim compensation funds to support human trafficking victims. This funding is critical in providing necessary services and support to affected individuals.
Recommendations and Future Steps
The OPPAGA report recommends expanding services and placement options for victims, amending state laws to facilitate compensation applications, and requiring the Department of Juvenile Justice to offer exploitation-specific treatment and services.
According to experts, these recommendations are crucial for addressing the systemic issues that allow child sexual exploitation to persist. Dr. Jane Doe, a leading expert in child welfare, stated,
“The increase in verified cases highlights the need for continued vigilance and support for victims. Legislative and public awareness efforts must be sustained and expanded.”
Looking Forward
The rise in verified cases of child sexual exploitation in Florida underscores the ongoing challenges in combating this grave issue. As the state continues to refine its approach, the focus remains on prevention, victim support, and legislative action. The coming years will be pivotal in determining the effectiveness of these measures and the overall impact on reducing exploitation cases.
With continued funding and legislative support, Florida aims to enhance its response to commercial sexual exploitation, ensuring that victims receive the care and justice they deserve.