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Proposed Ordinance Pertaining to Posting of Human Trafficking Public Awareness Signs at Certain Establishments Pursuant to Section 787.29, Florida Statutes
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BRIEF OVERVIEW
At the request of Chairman Allocco and the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office, the County Attorney’s Office prepared the attached ordinance pertaining to human trafficking pursuant to Fla. Stat. § 787.29, which authorizes counties to enforce posting of human trafficking public awareness signs at adult entertainment establishments alerting employees and patrons to remedies and protections related to human trafficking.
Specifically, Fla. Stat. § 787.29 requires the employer at each of the following establishments to display public awareness signs in a conspicuous location that is clearly visible to the public and employees of the establishment:
(a) A strip club or other adult entertainment establishment.
(b) A business or establishment that offers massage or bodywork services for compensation that is not owned by a health care profession that is regulated pursuant to Fla. Stat. Chapter 456 and defined in Fla. Stat. § 456.001.
Fla. Stat. § 787.29 authorizes county commissions to adopt ordinances to enforce posting of human trafficking public awareness signs in the above-referenced establishments and that violations related thereto are punishable only by fine. This ordinance requires employers to display public awareness signs in conspicuous locations that are clearly visible to the public and employees at strip clubs, adult entertainment, and massage/bodywork establishments. The signs provide contact information to report anyone who is being forced to engage in an activity against their will.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
N/A
LEGAL NOTE
The Board has the authority to approve this agenda item pursuant to Fla. Stat. §§ 125.01 and 787.29.
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RECOMMENDATION
N/A. This agenda item presents an issue purely of public policy.