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January is Human trafficking awareness month in Florida and Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez held a presser on the topic today.
As a member of the Statewide Council on Human Trafficking, she has positioned Florida as a leader in addressing the global challenge.
According to Nuñez, the average age of a sexually exploited child is 12 and Florida's first human trafficking laws were passed more than two decades ago.
Nuñez highlighted the state's regulation of adult safe houses that provide housing and care for survivors and the need for more adult beds.
And Governor DeSantis established a human trafficking and drug smuggling strike force in 2022 with FHP and the FDLE to catch traffickers along major Florida roadways.
Nuñez notes that Florida ranks third in the country for calls made to the human trafficking hotline. To report Human Trafficking to law enforcement in Florida, call 1-855-FLA-SAFE.