(The Center Square) – Florida has seen record-breaking human trafficking enforcement over the last year with a 32% increase in individuals convicted in human trafficking cases, according to Attorney General James Uthmeier’s office.
Notable cases included a 120-year sentence in Hillsborough County for Marquett James and a life sentence in Palm Beach County for Rual Brown for trafficking children.
“With over 1,600 child predators and human traffickers arrested since February of last year, we are setting records that should keep the bad guys up at night,” said Uthmeier. “It’s an honor to partner with law enforcement, prosecutors, and private-sector businesses across Florida to educate the public, rescue and provide services to victims, and ensure that predators and traffickers are behind bars for as long as possible.”
Charges filed related to human trafficking are up by 54% from 2024 to 2025 with a 30% increase in the total number of defendants, according to the attorney general.
Additionally, 2025 saw active human trafficking cases go up by 28% with defendants in active human trafficking cases up by 22%. During that time, prison time has increased by 10%. From February 2025 to the present, convicted individuals have been sentenced to a total of 3,275 years combined, according to Uthmeier.
Private sector partnerships to combat human trafficking have included Uber, which Senior Associate for Uber Public Policy Lizzie Pittinger says provides education for new drivers on how to identify and report human trafficking.
As summer travel to the Sunshine State goes up and large events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup on the horizon, law enforcement efforts are ramping up to squelch human trafficking. During large sporting events, traffickers can attempt to take advantage of higher traffic, increased tourists, and spikes in demand.
Earlier this year, a memorandum of understanding between the Office of Statewide Prosecution and the State Attorney’s Human Trafficking Task Force opened up $1.5 million for combatting human trafficking.
“As Florida prepares to host FIFA and welcome visitors from around the world, we have an opportunity to showcase not only our hospitality, but our commitment to protecting vulnerable individuals from exploitation,” said Erin Collins, Executive Director for the Florida Alliance to End Human Trafficking. “While law enforcement continues to make significant strides in identifying traffickers and holding them accountable, prevention and awareness remain critical parts of the solution. Human trafficking often hides in plain sight, which is why training employees, businesses, volunteers, and community members to recognize the warning signs is so important.”
