Florida Human Trafficking Victims Fund: A One-of-a-Kind Public-Private Partnership
In the spring of 2023, two Floridians with a deep commitment to fighting human trafficking approached Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody, the state’s leading advocate for eradicating this grave issue. They asked how they could help support her top priority—ending human trafficking in Florida. Without hesitation, Attorney General Moody responded, “We need more resources for law enforcement to help identify, rescue, and stabilize victims of human trafficking.”
That conversation sparked the creation of the Florida Human Trafficking Victims Fund, a groundbreaking initiative that stands as one of the first statewide public-private partnerships in the nation to fight human trafficking—funded entirely by private donations.
A Vision Becomes Reality
Toni Azinger and Sara Mahoney, the two Floridians behind this initiative, immediately set to work. Motivated by the need for additional resources, they worked tirelessly to raise the funds necessary. The first major fundraising initiative was a celebrity golf tournament—Teeing Off to Stop Human Trafficking—which raised $100,000 for the newly created Victims Fund. Additionally, the Place of Hope Foundation contributed $25,000, providing the foundation for a vital year of support for law enforcement across the state.
A Strong Partnership with the Florida Sheriffs
Thanks to Attorney General Moody’s unwavering commitment and her close working relationship with the Florida Sheriffs Association (FSA), the Florida Sheriffs Association Human Trafficking Committee was formed. Under the leadership of then-FSA President, Sheriff Bill Leeper, this committee was tasked with overseeing the distribution of funds to sheriff’s offices throughout Florida. The funds were specifically allocated to Florida’s sheriff’s offices, and only these agencies were eligible to apply for financial awards from the Victims Fund.
The committee includes three of Florida’s leading sheriffs: Chair, Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister, Clay County Sheriff Michelle Cook, and Monroe County Sheriff Rick Ramsey. These sheriffs played a critical role in ensuring the funds were used effectively to support law enforcement’s efforts to rescue, identify, and stabilize human trafficking victims.
Making an Impact
The Florida Human Trafficking Victims Fund officially launched in March 2024. From March 1 to November 1, six financial awards were granted to sheriff’s offices across the state to help stabilize victims after rescue operations. Five of the counties have already completed their operations, resulting in the recovery and support of 73 victims of human trafficking. The Victims Fund awards were instrumental in providing survivors with essential services, including trauma support, medical care, food, housing, and transportation.
One additional county is preparing for their upcoming human trafficking operations, with the Victims Fund continuing to provide critical support.
A Lasting Impact
“We have been amazed at how impactful the Victims Fund has been in supporting our incredible Florida sheriffs departments in their operations to rescue and stabilize trafficking victims,” said Sara Mahoney. “The need is truly immense, and we’re seeing firsthand how these funds are making a real difference.”
“Toni Azinger and I are fully committed to growing this fund and supporting our Florida sheriffs as they do this crucial work,” Mahoney added.
The Power of Public-Private Partnerships
Sheriff Chad Chronister, Chair of the Florida Sheriffs Association Human Trafficking Committee, emphasized the importance of public-private partnerships in supporting law enforcement’s efforts to combat human trafficking.”By working together—private citizens, foundations, and law enforcement—we are creating a powerful force to combat human trafficking. Together, we can rescue victims and provide them with the tools they need to heal and start a new chapter in their lives,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister. “The Florida Human Trafficking Victims Fund is more than a resource; it’s a lifeline for victims. Our mission is clear: to safeguard Florida’s most vulnerable and hold perpetrators of these heinous crimes accountable.”
How You Can Help
The Florida Human Trafficking Victims Fund was created to help law enforcement agencies continue their life-saving work in identifying, rescuing and supporting victims of human trafficking. Through private donations and public partnerships, this fund is making a lasting impact on the state’s fight to eradicate trafficking and support survivors.
For more information on how you can support law enforcement’s efforts to end human trafficking in Florida, visit FloridaHTFund.com.
