FL S0338

Requires the Division of Hotels and Restaurants to adopt educational programs training public lodging establishment employees to identify and report suspected human trafficking, with all employees trained by July 1, 2019, or within 30 days of hiring.

Creates a civil cause of action allowing human trafficking victims to sue traffickers and facilitators for compensatory and punitive damages without a statute of limitations.

Imposes mandatory civil penalties of $100,000 against defendants when victims prevail, with proceeds deposited into the Trust Fund for Victims of Human Trafficking and Prevention administered by the Department of Legal Affairs.

Awards an additional $50,000 civil penalty to law enforcement agencies that rescued victims or located the property where trafficking occurred, to fund future anti-trafficking efforts.

Extends the filing deadline for relocation assistance claims from 1 year to 2 years (or 3 years with good cause) after the last human trafficking offense.