Florida Raises Minimum Age for Strippers, Fights Human Trafficking

Florida is raising the minimum age for strippers, part of numerous actions to combat human trafficking and support survivors.

Governor Ron DeSantis announced additional measures in Florida to end human trafficking, including $4.9 million in the 2024-25 budget to expand access to emergency beds for trafficking victims human beings and provide additional support staff, as well as to establish a $900,000 grant opportunity through the ministry. Children and Families to improve training for law enforcement officers who respond to human trafficking incidents.

“Florida is proactive in stopping human trafficking,” said Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis.

New state law prohibits anyone under 21 from being a stripper, as adult entertainment establishments are no longer allowed to hire them.

“Governor DeSantis is a strong ally in our fight to end human trafficking, and I am grateful for the resources Florida is dedicating to helping trafficking victims become survivors,” the Attorney General said. Ashley Moody. “I am also pleased that our statewide reporting number will be added to mandatory awareness signs across Florida. If you see or suspect human trafficking, call 1-855-FLA-SAFE.

In addition to raising the minimum age for Florida strippers, Governor DeSantis also signed HB 7063, which:

• Continue the development and coordination of law enforcement and social service response frameworks at national and local levels to combat trafficking.
• Requires various public or other establishments that may experience human trafficking activities to post human trafficking awareness signs with the telephone numbers of the National or Florida Anti-Trafficking Hotlines human beings, and increases sanctions in the event of non-compliance with this obligation.
• Requires an entity contracting with the Florida state government to provide assurance that it does not use coercion for work or services.
• Prohibits a minor from being employed by an adult entertainment establishment in any role and increases penalties for those who knowingly violate this law.

The announcement which included raising the minimum age for Florida strippers followed legislation signed to combat human trafficking and prevent child grooming in the state of Florida, including:

• HB 305, which expands the evidence that can be presented to a jury in sex abuse cases where the victim is a minor and increases penalties against those who participate in the sex trafficking of minors.
• HB 1545, which protects children from grooming and other sexual offenses.
• HB 1131, which establishes a grant program within the Florida Department of Law Enforcement to create online undercover operations aimed at targeting sexual predators.
• HB 1235, which creates stricter guidelines for sex offender registration.
• SB 1224, which strengthens the role of the statewide Office of the Guardian ad Litem and implements new training requirements to ensure law enforcement properly assesses a domestic violence situation.

Additionally, last year, Governor DeSantis championed legislation establishing the death penalty for those convicted of child rape.

“There is simply no place for human trafficking in the state of Florida. As someone who has fought against human trafficking for over 15 years, I can tell you that Florida has come a long way in the fight against this pervasive evil and is a recognized leader across the country,” said Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez. “Today's announcement reaffirms that Florida continues to lead the way by investing in prevention, improving training and providing meaningful services that will help victims get back on their feet and start rebuilding their lives with dignity and opportunities.