What is the focus of the Florida Safe Harbor Act?

The Florida Safe Harbor Act focuses on exempting children from criminal charges while addressing issues related to sexual exploitation. This legislation recognizes that minors involved in commercial sexual activities are often victims, not offenders. By providing statutory immunity for these children, the Act aims to ensure that they are treated as victims of crime rather than as perpetrators. This approach allows for a more appropriate response that emphasizes recovery and support, facilitating access to necessary services and resources aimed at their rehabilitation.

The statute aligns with the understanding that children may be coerced or manipulated into situations involving exploitation, thus aligning law enforcement, social services, and the legal system towards a victim-centered approach. While the Act may intersect with education rights, assistance for human trafficking victims, and efforts to prevent juvenile delinquency, its primary focus is distinctly on how to manage cases involving sexually exploited minors without further criminalizing them.