WHEREAS, human trafficking is the recruitment, harboring, transportation, provision, or obtaining of a person for labor or services, through the use of force, fraud, or coercion, for the purpose of forced labor or sexual servitude; and

WHEREAS, human trafficking is a $150 billion a year global criminal enterprise, and is a crime as well as a civil and human rights violation; and

WHEREAS, the United States government estimates that between 600,000 to 800,000 individuals are trafficked across international borders each year and in 2024, Florida had the third highest number of human trafficking cases in the United States with approximately 1,830 cases reported, and 1,874 identified victims; and

WHEREAS, more awareness and education is crucial to eradicating human trafficking in our communities, state, and nation; and

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED, by the Board of County Commissioners of St. Johns County, Florida, that January 2026 be designated as

Human Trafficking Awareness Month

Torecognize, encourage, and support survivors and their families, and the fight against the exploitation of women, men, and children.

PASSED AND ADOPTED by theSt. Johns County Board of County Commissioners of St. Johns County, Florida this 20^th day of January 2026.