Billboards Target Human Trafficking Demand During Daytona 500

Advocates say major sporting events often drive increased demand for commercial sex, which fuels human trafficking.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

As the Daytona 500 approaches, billboards with racing-themed warnings about human trafficking are lining highways near the Daytona International Speedway. Advocates say large-scale sporting events can create spikes in demand for commercial sex, which traffickers exploit. Florida officials and advocacy groups are ramping up enforcement, awareness, and victim services ahead of future major events, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Miami.

Why it matters

The billboards aim to disrupt assumptions and make sex buyers stop and think about the consequences of their actions, which advocates say fuel the multi-billion-dollar human trafficking industry. Major sporting events have been linked to increased trafficking activity, and Florida is taking a hardline approach to combat the issue as it hosts more high-profile events in the coming years.

The details

The billboards, part of a campaign by the advocacy group Rights4Girls, feature racing-themed messages like "Sex buying wrecks lives," "Sex buying is a disqualifier," and "Sex buying gets a black flag." Advocates say the language is intentional to grab the attention of potential sex buyers. According to Rights4Girls, every dollar generated in the commercial sex industry is fueled by sex buyers, and without them, there would be no business. Law enforcement has documented spikes in trafficking activity around past major events, including the 2023 Super Bowl in Phoenix and the 2021 Super Bowl in Tampa.

  • The Daytona 500 is taking place this weekend.
  • Florida is set to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Miami.

The players

Rights4Girls

A national advocacy group focused on ending the sexual exploitation of women and children.

James Uthmeier

Florida Attorney General who has pledged a hardline approach to combating human trafficking in the state.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We're trying to shed light on an often invisible aspect of human trafficking, the role that sex buyers play in fueling the market for commercial sex.”

— Yasmin Vafa, Executive Director of Rights4Girls

“If you prey on our kids, if you go after our women, if you traffic and abuse — we will come for you with everything we've got.”

— James Uthmeier, Florida Attorney General

What’s next

Florida officials say they are preparing for more aggressive enforcement as the state hosts even larger events in the coming years, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Miami.

The takeaway

This campaign highlights the growing efforts to combat human trafficking by targeting the demand side of the equation, as advocates stress that awareness, coordinated law enforcement, and victim services are all crucial in identifying and rescuing trafficking victims during major sporting events.