FL S1044

Creates civil cause of action for victims of human trafficking against traffickers and facilitators, with standard of proof being preponderance of the evidence.

Allows prevailing victims to recover economic damages (medical expenses, repatriation costs), noneconomic damages (pain and suffering, mental anguish), punitive damages, attorney fees, and investigative expenses.

Requires courts to impose mandatory $50,000 civil penalty deposited to Trust Fund for Victims of Human Trafficking, plus additional $50,000 penalty distributed to law enforcement agencies that rescued the victim or located the abuse location.

Requires punitive damages to be equally divided between the victim and the trust fund.

Provides affirmative defense for public lodging establishment owners/operators if they prove they required human trafficking identification training for employees within 30 days of hire or by January 1, 2019, and maintained protocols to prevent and report trafficking.