(1) Notwithstanding the criteria specified in ss. 960.07(2) and 960.13 for crime victim compensation awards, the department may award a one-time payment of up to $1,500 for any one claim and a lifetime maximum of $3,000 to a victim of human trafficking who needs urgent assistance to escape from an unsafe environment directly related to the human trafficking offense.

(2) In order for an award to be granted to a victim for relocation assistance:

(a) There must be proof that a human trafficking offense, as described in s. 787.06(3)(b), (d), (f), or (g), was committed.

(b)1. For a crime occurring before October 1, 2019, the crime must be reported to the proper authorities and the claim must be filed within 1 year, or 2 years with good cause, after the date of the last human trafficking offense, as described in s. 787.06(3)(b), (d), (f), or (g).

2. For a crime occurring on or after October 1, 2019, the crime must be reported to the proper authorities and the claim must be filed within 3 years, or 5 years with good cause, after the date of the last human trafficking offense, as described in s. 787.06(3)(b), (d), (f), or (g).

3. In a case that exceeds the reporting and filing requirement due to an active and ongoing investigation, a state attorney, statewide prosecutor, or federal prosecutor may certify in writing a human trafficking victim’s need to relocate from an unsafe environment due to the threat of future violence which is directly related to the human trafficking offense.

(c) The victim’s need must be certified by a certified domestic violence or rape crisis center in this state, except as provided in paragraph (b). The center’s certification must assert that the victim is cooperating with the proper authorities and must include documentation that the victim has developed a safety plan.

(3) Relocation payments for a human trafficking claim shall be denied if the department has previously approved or paid out a domestic violence or sexual battery relocation claim under s. 960.198 or s. 960.199 to the same victim regarding the same incident.

History.—s. 17, ch. 2015-92; s. 71, ch. 2019-167.