Central Florida welcomes more than 75 million travelers every year. That steady flow of visitors is what makes the region one of the world’s premier destinations, but it also makes it a target for human traffickers.

WFTV reporter Sabrina Maggiore recently covered new efforts underway to change that, as tourism and hospitality leaders across the region are being trained to recognize and report the warning signs. Read the full story here.

The Problem Is Bigger Than Most Realize

A 2024 USF report estimates more than 700,000 Floridians have been victims of human trafficking, forced into labor or commercial sex. Florida ranks behind only California and Texas in the number of human trafficking hotline calls received statewide.

Tourism, agriculture, and hospitality are key drivers of Florida’s economy, but they also create opportunities for traffickers who follow large events, high-traffic destinations, and seasonal labor needs.

“The whole world comes to us. And unfortunately, sometimes these bad actors come,” said UA founder and president Tomas Lares.

Training Workers to See What Others Miss

At a recent Doctor Phillips Rotary Club meeting, community leaders gathered to learn how to identify a crime that often operates out of sight. UA-led training sessions are also being hosted monthly at Orlando International Airport, open to all airport staff.

The training matters. An estimated 70 percent of trafficking victims pass through an airport at some point. Workers are taught to recognize red flags and ask simple but important questions, especially when minors are traveling or passengers hold one-way tickets.

“When are you coming back? What school do you go to? Some of those questions you can start asking because it’s a red flag,” Lares said.

If a potential victim is identified, they can be brought to the soft room at MCO, where service providers and law enforcement can step in immediately.

A Survivor’s Voice at the Center

Kim Figueroa, a survivor and law enforcement consultant, is helping lead the training at Orlando International Airport. Trafficked for 13 years starting as a minor in the foster care system, Figueroa knows firsthand how traffickers operate.

“Anything that brought in large amounts of money — events, conventions — he moved us from city to city, state to state to chase this money,” she said.

Her story is a powerful reminder of why this training exists and why it has to reach every corner of the industry.

Every Training Ends With a Call to Action

At the close of every UA training session, attendees receive an advocate badge with a QR code linking to resources and Florida’s human trafficking tip line: 1-855-FLA-SAFE.

If you see something, say something. Public awareness and frontline training are two of the most powerful tools we have.

Together we can stop human trafficking.

Freedom 4ALL,

United Abolitionists