Get Help
Call the National Human Trafficking Hotline, toll-free: at 1-888-373-7888.
Anti-Trafficking Hotline Advocates are available 24/7 to take reports of potential human trafficking.
Text the HELP or INFO to the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 233733.
Message and data rates may apply.
Chat the National Human Trafficking Hotline via humantraffickinghotline.org/chat.
THE FACTS
“HUMAN TRAFFICKING IS MODERN-DAY SLAVERY AND INVOLVES THE USE OF FORCE, FRAUD, OR COERCION TO OBTAIN SOME TYPE OF LABOR OR COMMERCIAL SEX ACT.”
- The United States is one of the largest consumers of commercial sex worldwide.*
- Trafficking in persons, human trafficking, and modern slavery are used to refer to both sex trafficking and compelled labor.**
- Human Traffickers victimize an estimated 27.6 million people worldwide. 23% are in sex trafficking.**
- Approximately 90% of trafficking is familial.*
- 85% of those sold in sex slavery were abused as children.*
- The average age of a child when forced into sex trafficking is 12-14 years.***
- Up to 70% of trafficked children in the U.S. come from child social services/foster care.*
- Sextortion is a growing form of child exploitation. 1 in 4 victims were 13 or younger when threatened. 2 in 3 victims were girls threatened before the age of 16.****
- Florida ranks 3rd in the U.S in human trafficking cases reported according to the National Human Trafficking Hotline.
- 2024-2025 Human Trafficking of Children Annual Report-Florida Department of Children & Families
- 2,254 human trafficking reports involving 1,601 children.
- 596 verified cases of Commercial Sexual Exploited Children (CSEC)
- 80.2% female, 17.9% male
- 81% loved at home, 18.4% in out-of-home care.
- Suncoast Region (including Lee & Collier) highest counties with cases statewide
Trafficking statistics change often. This page was updated on 04/05/26.
Statistics sourced from The US Institute Against Human Trafficking, U.S. Dept of Homeland Security, Operation Lightshine, and Florida Department of Children & Families
Other Sources
Florida 2025 Statewide Council on Human Trafficking
Comprehensive insights and legislative recommendations for the upcoming year.
University of South Florida TIPSTER 2024 State Report
Academic research and data-driven analysis of trafficking patterns in Florida.
Human Trafficking 101-The BRIGHT Network
Foundational education and network resources for first responders and advocates.
US Dept of Homeland Security
Federal directives, reporting tools, and national strategy for enforcement.