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TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida Attorney General James Usmeyer announced what his office described as a historic statewide human trafficking enforcement effort, noting an increase in investigations, arrests, prosecutions, and prison sentences since taking office in February 2025.
According to Usmayer’s office, more than 1,600 people have been arrested in human trafficking and exploitation-related cases since February 2025. During this time, defendants convicted in cases handled by prosecutors’ offices across the state received a combined 3,275 years in prison.
“Since last February, more than 1,600 child predators and traffickers have been arrested, and we are setting records that will keep these criminals up at night,” Usmayer said. “We are honored to partner with law enforcement, prosecutors, and private businesses across Florida to educate the public, rescue and serve victims, and keep predators and human traffickers behind bars for as long as possible.”
The Attorney General’s Office said the prosecutor’s office’s human trafficking efforts across the state have increased significantly compared to 2024. Active human trafficking cases increased by 28%, defendants in active human trafficking cases increased by 22%, and the number of convictions in human trafficking cases increased by 32%.
The department said there was also an overall increase in prosecution activity across the state. The number of prosecutions increased by 54 percent from 2024 to 2025, and the total number of defendants charged increased by 30 percent. Total prison time increased by 10%.
State officials also highlighted several serious charges, including a 120-year sentence for longtime human trafficker Marquette James of Hillsborough County and a life sentence for child trafficker Raul Brown of Palm Beach County.
FDLE Deputy Director John Vecchio said law enforcement agencies in the state are working together to target human trafficking operations, especially as Florida prepares for a major international event.
“While we welcome visitors to Florida to enjoy events on a global stage like the FIFA World Cup, we want you to know that if you come to our home and take advantage of Floridians and visitors, we will be held accountable,” Vecchio said.
Usmayer’s office also pointed to a recent agreement with Miami-Dade State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Randle aimed at combating human trafficking ahead of major events such as the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Business and advocacy groups are also joining the effort. Florida Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Mark Wilson said Florida’s business community is working to increase awareness and train employees to recognize the warning signs of human trafficking.
Erin Collins, executive director of the Florida Alliance to Combat Human Trafficking, said prevention remains an important part of the state’s strategy.
“Human trafficking is often hidden in plain sight, so training employees, businesses, volunteers and community members to recognize the red flags is critical,” Collins said.
Uber also announced this summer that it will partner with It’s a Penalty to provide human trafficking awareness materials to riders and drivers ahead of an anticipated increase in travel volume.
In addition to the prison terms, the Attorney General’s Office announced that prosecutors have secured more than $53.3 million in fines, restitution, court costs, prosecution costs, and investigation costs for the defendants since February 2025.
