A new state law to help child victims of sex trafficking is in effect with the new year.
The Florida Safe Harbor Act allows children who are rescued from forced prostitution to get intensive treatment in safe houses instead of being placed in juvenile delinquency.
The law also requires special training for law enforcement officers who work with sexually exploited children.
Robin Thompson, an expert in human trafficking at Florida State University, says it's a major step for the state to recognize the harm done to victims.
"For too long, they've been ignored or they've not been understood to be the people who they are – that is, people who are truly victims, who probably have been victimized since very young ages, and who need the help and protection of the state", said Thompson.
Florida is the third highest trafficking destination in the country. Half of all trafficking victims are children.
Last year, about 200 trafficked minors received services through the state Department of Children and Families and its community partners.