Subject:
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Ordinance to establish human trafficking public awareness sign display requirements, enforcement responsibilities, and penalties.
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Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Adopt the proposed ordinance to establish human trafficking public awareness sign display requirements, enforcement responsibilities, and penalties.
The proposed ordinance implements Section 787.29 Florida Statutes, signed into law in June 2015, and will become effective March 1, 2016.
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Strategic Plan:
Ensure Public Health, Safety, and Welfare
2.1 Provide planning, coordination, prevention, and protective services to ensure a safe and secure community
Summary:
The proposed ordinance implements Section 787.29 Florida Statutes, signed into law in June 2015. The ordinance requires public awareness signs to be displayed at all adult entertainment and massage/bodywork establishments as required by law. It also extends the signage requirement to include specialty salon establishments, including those providing nail services. Signs will alert employees and the public about the existence, remedies and protections related to human trafficking.
The proposed ordinance authorizes the County to enforce the signage requirements.
The proposed ordinance will become effective on March 1, 2016.
Background Information:
The Board of County Commissioners approved the authority to advertise a public hearing on a proposed human trafficking ordinance on December 15, 2015. The ordinance implements state law and exceeds state requirements by including specialty salons as an additional business type required to post signs regarding human trafficking and resources for assistance.
As required by law, the public awareness sign must be at least 8.5 inches by 11 inches in size, must be printed in at least a 16-point type and must state substantially the following in both English and Spanish:
“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 1-888-373-7888 or text INFO or HELP to 233-733 to access help and services. Victims of slavery and human trafficking are protected under United States and Florida law.”
County Consumer Protection will work with local law enforcement, the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, and the Florida Department of Health to verify that required signage is properly displayed. Each of the partners has complementary responsibilities for visiting some of the locations.
Fiscal Impact:
Funding for needed staff resources is available within Human Services’ Fiscal Year 2016 budget.
Staff Member Responsible:
Lourdes Benedict, Director, Human Services
Partners:
Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, Florida Department of Health, local law enforcement agencies
Attachments:
Proposed Ordinance
Section 787.29 Fla. Statutes
National Human Trafficking Resource Center Fact Sheet
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