Human Trafficking Compliance

Human trafficking is a reality in every state in our nation, and Florida is no exception. The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) believes we have a moral obligation to do all we can to prevent this atrocious crime and to ensure that the Sunshine State remains a warm and welcoming place for all visitors. In that spirit, the association has committed to educating our members as well as others within the hospitality industry about the dangers of human trafficking. FRLA has a DBPR-approved human trafficking training course that meets compliance requirements available here.

Compliance

Section 509.096(3), Florida Statutes, states that the Division of Hotels & Restaurants will no longer afford a public lodging establishment with 90 days to correct a human trafficking awareness violation, as was previously allowed, effective July 1, 2023. This change affects all DBPR-licensed public lodging establishments.

Summary:

– A public lodging establishment found to be in violation of a human trafficking awareness requirement for the first time will only be afforded 45 days to correct the violation. Previously, 90 days was afforded and administrative fines would not be assessed if the violation was corrected within the 90 days.

– A public lodging establishment found to be in violation of a human trafficking awareness requirement for the second or subsequent time will be assessed the applicable administrative fines as the establishment will no longer be afforded an opportunity to correct the violation. Previously, 90 days was afforded and administrative fines would not be assessed if the violation was corrected within the 90 days.

The Division of Hotels & Restaurants has published an industry bulletin to notify the industry of these changes. The Division also maintains a webpage with up-to-date information on the human trafficking awareness requirements that are applicable to public lodging establishments in Florida. Please visit MyFloridaLicense.com/DBPR/hotels-restaurants/ for more information.

Mandated Human Trafficking Awareness Training

In 2019, the Florida Legislature passed and Governor Ron DeSantis signed into law new human trafficking legislation affecting lodging operators. Section 509.096, Florida Statutes, includes mandatory annual human trafficking awareness training for lodging employees who perform housekeeping duties or work at the front desk or reception areas. Prudent lodging operators will also train their other guest interaction positions, including concierge, bell staff, valet, and others. The DBPR Industry Bulletin can be found here.

Compliance Checklist

This is abbreviated guidance for convenience. The governing statute in full can be found here.

NEW: Pursuant to new legislation effective July 1, 2024, the Human Trafficking “Public Awareness Sign” (poster) required in DBPR licensed lodging facilities will be required to list the Florida Human Trafficking Hotline telephone number (855-FLA-SAFE / 855-352-7233), rather than the previously required national hotline number. Updated Poster
Covered employees must complete DBPR-approved training by January 1, 2021, or within 60 days of hire, whichever is later, and annually thereafter.
Provide annual training regarding human trafficking awareness to employees of the establishment who perform housekeeping duties in the rental units or who work at the front desk or reception area where guests ordinarily check in or check out.
Covered lodging properties must keep on a file (electronic or hard copy) the signed and dated acknowledgement of every covered employee that they received the training. These acknowledgements must be made available to DBPR upon inspection. (Note: DBPR fines are $2,000 per day for public lodging establishments not in compliance with Section 509.096, Florida Statutes.)
For FRLA’s DBPR-approved online training in English and Spanish, click here.

Training

FRLA has partnered with subject matter experts to create a low-cost, DBPR-approved online training course designed to help hoteliers, restaurateurs, and their staff: