WYNTK- 2021 Human Trafficking Awareness Requirements
Below you will find additional information that details 2021 human trafficking awareness requirements, as well as resources that may prove helpful in ensuring compliance by the 2021 deadline.
Governor DeSantis signed HB 851, a bill relating to human trafficking awareness, into law. This bill added language to Florida Statutes and was designed to increase human trafficking awareness. Section 509.096 has since been added to Florida Statutes and establishes a variety of requirements that public lodging establishments must adhere to. These requirements go into effect on January 1, 2021.
- The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) is charged with enforcement of the new law's requirements.
- Per Section 509.013 of Florida Statutes, a public lodging establishment includes both transient and nontransient public lodging establishments.
(Q) How does this law impact the apartment industry?
(A) The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) has stated that the training requirements set forth in this new law apply only to apartment community employees who perform housekeeping duties and/or who work at a front desk where guests (not residents) check-in/out.
- This requires apartment communities to meet either of the requirements outlined above to implement an annual Human Trafficking Awareness course for said employees to complete.
About Section 509.096 Requirements
Section 509.096 requires all public lodging establishments to adhere to the following-
1. Implement a procedure for reporting suspected human trafficking to the National Human Trafficking Hotline and/or to a local law enforcement agency by January 1, 2021.
2. Post a human trafficking public awareness sign in a "conspicuous" location that is accessible to employees within the establishment.
- Awareness signage must be-
- At least 11x15 inches in size,
- Printed in an easily legible font,
- The font must be at least 32-points in size, and
- Stated in both English and Spanish (and any other language predominately spoken in the area)
- Awareness Signage must state the following-
- "If you or someone you know is being forced to engage in an activity and cannot leave, whether it is prostitution, housework, farm work, factory work, retail work, restaurant work, or any other activity, call the National Human Trafficking Resource Center at 888-373-7888 or text INFO or HELP to 233-733 to access help and services. Victims of slavery and human trafficking are protected under the United States and Florida law.”
3. Provide annual training regarding human trafficking awareness to an establishment's employees who-
- Perform housekeeping duties in rental units; and/or
- Who works at a front desk or reception area where guests check-in/check-out.
4. Such training must be provided for new employees within 60 days of employment in the above roles, or by January 1, 2021, whichever occurs later.
- Each employee must submit a signed and dated acknowledgment of having received human trafficking awareness training to the hiring establishment. The hiring establishment must then provide this acknowledgment to DBPR upon request.
DBPR has released Frequently Asked Questions relating to the new law requirements.
Additional Resources and Information
The Florida Apartment Association (FAA) is hosting a webinar on this topic on Thursday, July 9th at 10:00 AM. The webinar is called, "Human Trafficking Awareness Requirements: What Multifamily Needs to Know."
- This webinar will feature an informative panel that includes Brendan Doherty, Deputy Director for the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation's (DBPR) Division of Hotels & Restaurants. Please note, you must be logged in to your member profile to register.
The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) has outlined the requirements of the new law, including public awareness signage and approved third party human trafficking awareness training courses.
- See DBPR's Human Trafficking Information Sheet.
- See DBPR's Industry Bulletin
- See DBPR's Public Awareness Signage
Read Chapter 2019-152, Committee Substitute for Committee Substitute for Committee Substitute for House Bill No. 851 (Section 509.096 full-text language).
The Florida Department of Children and Families offers a multitude of informative human trafficking resources for review.
The Florida Department of Health offers a variety of resources and training materials for individuals to reference.
- Access FDOH's resource page here.
Each Florida county has a Local Human Trafficking Task Force.
Free, Approved Third-Party Human Trafficking Courses