The Florida Attorney General's Office of Statewide Prosecution has entered into a formal partnership with the Miami-Dade State Attorney's Human Trafficking Task Force through a memorandum of understanding that includes $1.5 million in operational funding. The agreement allows prosecutors from both offices to be cross-designated with single- and multi-circuit jurisdiction to ensure comprehensive coverage of human trafficking cases across South Florida.
The partnership was announced as Miami prepares to host numerous high-profile events, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which officials say creates heightened risks for human trafficking activity. "As millions of visitors recognize Miami-Dade County as a blossoming 2026 destination for national and international events, human traffickers also see our community as a target destination for their criminal activity," said State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle.
Under the memorandum of understanding, the Office of Statewide Prosecution becomes a formal member of Fernandez Rundle's Human Trafficking Task Force and will support efforts to prevent, deter, investigate, and prosecute human trafficking and related organized crime. The $1.5 million in operational funds will be used specifically for anti-trafficking operations and prosecutions.
Miami has already hosted several major events in 2024, including the Orange Bowl, NHL Winter Classic, and NCAA Football Championship. The remainder of 2026 is scheduled to include the World Baseball Classic, Miami Open, Ultra Music Festival, PGA Tour events, F1 Miami Grand Prix, NASCAR Cup Series Championship, and the G20 Summit.
"The Attorney General's assistance and this expanded partnership not only strengthens our efforts in arresting and prosecuting traffickers but also sends an unequivocally clear message that exploiting our children and vulnerable youth will never be tolerated in our community or anywhere in Florida," Fernandez Rundle said. Statewide Prosecutor Brad McVay added that "collaboration between law enforcement and prosecutorial authorities are critical when it comes to combating human trafficking."
The partnership represents an escalation in Florida's anti-trafficking efforts as the state prepares for an unprecedented concentration of international events. Officials emphasized the importance of public reporting, directing anyone with information about suspected human trafficking to call Florida's statewide hotline at 855-FLA-SAFE.
The cross-designation authority granted under the agreement ensures that human traffickers cannot escape prosecution by operating across county lines, addressing a key jurisdictional challenge in combating trafficking networks that often span multiple circuits.