T
LODGING ISSUE
Human Trafficking Awareness Training
H
uman trafficking is a reality in every state in our nation, and Florida is no exception. The Association has committed to educating members as well as others within the hospitality industry about the dangers of human trafficking.
Mandated Human Trafficking Awareness Training
In 2019, the Florida Legislature passed, and Governor Ron DeSantis signed into law new human trafficking legislation affecting lodging operators. Section 509.096, Florida statutes, includes mandatory annual human trafficking awareness training for lodging employees who perform housekeeping duties or work at the front desk or reception areas. The Department of Business and Professional Regulation’s industry bulletin can be found here.
Compliance Checklist
This is abbreviated guidance for convenience. The governing statute in full can be found here.
» Covered lodging properties must implement a procedure to report suspected human trafficking to the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or local law enforcement, and they must post prescribed signage in employee areas regarding the Hotline. » Covered employees must complete DBPR-approved training by January 1, 2021 or within 60 days of hire, whichever is later, and annually thereafter. » Provide annual training regarding human trafficking awareness to employees of the establishment who perform housekeeping duties in the rental units or who work at the front desk or reception area where guests ordinarily check in or check out. » Covered lodging properties must keep on file the signed and dated acknowledgement of every covered employee that they received the training. These acknowledgements must be made available
to DBPR upon inspection. Note: DBPR fines are $2,000 per day for public lodging establishments not in compliance with Section 509.096, Florida Statutes. » For FRLA’s DBPR-approved online training in English and Spanish, click here.
Training
FRLA has partnered with subject matter experts to create a low-cost, DBPRapproved online training course designed to help hoteliers, restaurateurs, and their staff: » Recognize the signs of human trafficking. » Learn best practices to protect victims and businesses. » Promote anti-trafficking awareness. We also offer instructor-led training for a small fee, and FRLA hotel members can request a hotel training kit to lead their own in-house training. CLICK HERE TO ACCESS THE ONLINE COURSE, AVAILABLE IN BOTH ENGLISH AND SPANISH.
HUMAN TRAFFICKING FRLA’s course will help you and your staff: • Recognize the signs of human trafficking • Learn best practices to protect victims and businesses • Promote anti-trafficking awareness
Order online at StopHumanTraffickingFL.com | Call today 888-524-2118 36
SPRING 2022
FLORIDA RESTAUR ANT & LOD GING A S SO CIATION
