Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Drew WilsonNovember 14, 2015

A Florida group that helps human trafficking victims will receive a $600,000 U.S. Department of Justice grant to continue its work, Democratic US Rep. Kathy Castor announced Friday. “This grant will provide more tools to Gulfcoast Legal Services and local law enforcement to aid victims of human trafficking,” Castor said. “Gulfcoast now will be able […]

Frank TorresOctober 6, 2015

On Tuesday morning, the Orange County Commission opened discussions on possible ordinances to fight human trafficking in the region. Commissioner Pete Clarke introduced the concept after a recent two-year surveillance operation named “Papa Smurf” concluded with eight women rescued from a prostitution trafficking ring and a seizure of drug and guns, which resulted in the arrest of […]

Phil AmmannJuly 23, 2015

On Thursday, Gov. Rick Scott took the time to highlight Florida’s fight against human trafficking with a ceremonial bill signing of four bills to raise protect survivors and set harsher penalties for exploitation of victims. “While Florida has a 44-year crime low,” Scott said at the Citrus Health Network Family Medical Center in Hialeah, “even one victim […]

A.G. GancarskiJune 11, 2015

On Thursday, Florida Gov. Rick Scott signed two bills into law to combat the scourge of human trafficking. One increases penalties for perpetrators and protections for victims, while the other protects the identity of victims of human trafficking in the case of public records request HB 465 enhances protections for victims of human trafficking, and also […]

Associated PressApril 24, 2015

A bill that will require a 24-hour waiting period for abortions is now going to Gov. Rick Scott. The Senate voted 26-13 for the measure on Friday after nearly an hour of debate. Republican Sen. Anitere Flores said that if only one woman decides not to get an abortion after a waiting period, she’ll consider […]

Guest AuthorApril 23, 2015

Once again, the leadership of the Florida Legislature has decided to play politics with women’s health. Case in point, the “mandatory abortion delay” bill. If this bill becomes law, even when a woman has already received state-mandated counseling and made a deliberate and fully informed decision, she will still be forced to wait 24 hours […]

Janelle Irwin TaylorMarch 23, 2015

A bill aimed at shining a light on human trafficking breezed through the Senate Criminal Justice Subcommittee Monday with unanimous approval. Clearwater Sen. Jack Latvala’s bill requires that signs including the National Human Trafficking Resource Center Hotline and text numbers be posted throughout the state. Those locations include rest areas and welcome centers, airports and […]

Janelle Irwin TaylorMarch 23, 2015

A bill aimed at shining a light on human trafficking breezed through the Senate Criminal Justice Subcommittee Monday with unanimous approval. Clearwater Sen. Jack Latvala’s bill requires that signs including the National Human Trafficking Resource Center Hotline and text numbers be posted throughout the state. Those locations include rest areas and welcome centers, airports and […]

Ryan RayFebruary 27, 2015

Clearwater Sen. Jack Latvala announced Thursday that he will seek passage of SB 534, a bill to increase reporting of human trafficking by expanding the public’s awareness of the National Human Trafficking Resource Center Hotline. The legislation would mandate that the number be posted in all Florida transportation hubs and establishments near major roads, where employees and patrons […]

Ryan RayJanuary 23, 2015

Newly elected state Rep. Jennifer Sullivan this week filed a bill to create a new “End Human Trafficking” license plate to help the efforts of agencies around the state in fighting the scourge, which is rampant in parts of Florida. Funds raised by sales of the $25 specialty plate would fund a public-private program called […]

Tag: human trafficking

Pinellas legal-aid program receives $600K grant to fight human trafficking

Orange County to examine possible human trafficking ordinance

Gov. Scott highlights human trafficking fight with four new Florida laws

Governor OKs tougher human trafficking protections

Abortion waiting period bill goes to Florida governor

Julie Hauserman, Laura Goodhue: Florida's legislative leaders don't trust women

Jack Latvala’s anti-human trafficking bill moves in Senate panel

Jack Latvala's anti-human trafficking bill moves in Senate panel

Jack Latvala to pursue human trafficking legislation with House Dem Dave Kerner

Jennifer Sullivan files bill to establish human trafficking aid program