Florida’s new reporting system is shining a light on human trafficking in the Sunshine State

By: Shelly M. Wagers, University of South Florida and Joan A. Reid, University of South Florida, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: December 8, 2025

Words: 1,429

Last Updated: 1 month ago

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By Shelly M. Wagers, University of South Florida and Joan A. Reid, University of South Florida

Most Americans imagine human trafficking as a violent kidnapping or a “stranger danger” crime – someone abducted from a parking lot or trapped in a shipping container brought in from another country.

In fact, trafficking rarely takes this form.

In most cases, traffickers spend months or even years building trust and creating emotional and economic bonds with their victims. …

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