Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has enacted a new law, HB 7063, aimed at intensifying the fight against human trafficking within the state. The legislation, signed at a news conference held at Granada Church in Coral Gables, establishes several key provisions to safeguard vulnerable populations and curb trafficking activities.

One significant aspect of the law is the restriction placed on employment within adult entertainment establishments, specifically prohibiting anyone under the age of 21 from working as a stripper. This measure is part of a broader initiative to protect young individuals from being exploited in environments associated with higher risks of trafficking.

Additionally, the law mandates the continuation of the statewide council on human trafficking within Florida's Department of Legal Affairs, ensuring sustained efforts in combating this issue. It also imposes new requirements for various locations commonly linked with trafficking—such as rest areas, emergency rooms, strip clubs, and massage parlors—to display awareness signs that include hotline numbers for reporting suspected trafficking incidents. Businesses failing to comply with these directives will face increased penalties.

The legislation further stipulates that any entity contracting with the state must provide assurances that they do not engage in coerced labor. Moreover, it completely bans the employment of minors in adult entertainment venues and escalates penalties for businesses knowingly breaching this regulation.

Governor DeSantis emphasized that the new law, which will take effect on July 1, aims to hold businesses accountable for non-compliance with these modest, yet crucial requirements, and promises severe repercussions for those involved in human trafficking. "Anyone actively involved in human trafficking will have the book thrown at them in the state of Florida," DeSantis declared.

In addition to the legal measures, DeSantis announced financial commitments to support the initiative, including $4.9 million allocated in the state's budget to enhance emergency accommodations for trafficking victims and bolster prevention efforts with additional staff. A further $900,000 will be invested in a grant program to improve staffing and training for law enforcement agencies dedicated to combating human trafficking.

Earlier measures by DeSantis include signing HB 197, which allocates over $1 million to combat sex trafficking specifically in massage establishments, funding positions at the Florida Department of Health to handle rising complaints and enforce stricter licensing controls.

These legislative actions build upon previous efforts from last year, where DeSantis approved a series of bills enhancing penalties for traffickers, including mandatory minimum sentences for traffickers who use firearms, and enabling trafficking victims to seek damages from adult entertainment venues and requiring hotels to adhere to strict trafficking awareness protocols. These comprehensive strategies signify a robust commitment to eradicating human trafficking and supporting victims throughout the state of Florida.