TALLAHASSEE — Attorney General James Uthmeier announced record-breaking human trafficking enforcement across Florida, with more than 1,600 child predators and human traffickers arrested since February 2025 and convicted defendants sentenced to a combined 3,275 years in prison.
“With over 1,600 child predators and human traffickers arrested since February of last year, we are setting records that should keep the bad guys up at night,” said Attorney General Uthmeier. “It’s an honor to partner with law enforcement, prosecutors, and private-sector businesses across Florida to educate the public, rescue and provide services to victims, and ensure that predators and traffickers are behind bars for as long as possible.”
The Office of Statewide Prosecution reported sharp year-over-year increases compared to 2024: active human trafficking cases rose 28%, defendants in active cases climbed 22%, and convictions in trafficking cases jumped 32%. Total charges filed across all statewide prosecution efforts surged 54%, total defendants charged increased 30%, and aggregate prison time grew 10%. The office has also secured $53,343,708 in fines, restitution, court costs, and prosecution and investigation costs since February 2025.
Two major sentences drove the enforcement totals — a 120-year sentence against longtime trafficker Marquett James in Hillsborough County and a life sentence against child trafficker Raul Brown in Palm Beach County. Uthmeier also signed an agreement to combat human trafficking with Miami-Dade State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle ahead of large-scale events including the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
FDLE Assistant Commissioner John Vecchio framed the crackdown in the context of the World Cup. “While we welcome visitors to Florida to enjoy events like the FIFA World Cup, that are set on a global stage, we need you to know: if you come to our home and take advantage of Floridians and our visitors, we will hold you accountable,” Vecchio said.
“Human trafficking has no place in Florida, and the Florida Chamber, the Florida Prosperity Initiative, and our members stand shoulder to shoulder with Attorney General James Uthmeier, the FDLE, and law enforcement agencies across Florida in the fight,” said Mark Wilson, President & CEO of the Florida Chamber of Commerce. “As Florida prepares to welcome visitors from around the world as the host of the World Cup, Florida’s business community is serving as another layer of defense by raising awareness, educating employees, and helping identify the warning signs of trafficking.”
Erin Collins, Executive Director of the Florida Alliance to End Human Trafficking, urged the public to report suspicious activity to the hotline at (855) FLA-Safe. “As Florida prepares to host FIFA and welcome visitors from around the world, we have an opportunity to showcase not only our hospitality, but our commitment to protecting vulnerable individuals from exploitation,” Collins said. “Human trafficking often hides in plain sight, which is why training employees, businesses, volunteers, and community members to recognize the warning signs is so important.”
Private-sector partners are joining the effort. “Uber is honored to stand with Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier in his unwavering efforts to combat human trafficking and ensure Florida remains a safe place for residents and tourists alike to move around the state,” said Lizzie Pittinger, Senior Associate for Uber Public Policy. Pittinger said Uber is partnering with It’s a Penalty ahead of the anticipated travel surge to equip riders and drivers with trafficking awareness materials.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is scheduled to bring matches to Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium, with enforcement operations expected to intensify as the tournament approaches.