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Miami STR Hosts Help Secure Florida Approval for ECPAT Human Trafficking Awareness Training

MIAMI, FL — May 2026 — Miami-based short-term rental hosts Pascal and Jacomina Depuhl have helped lead a successful effort to secure official Florida state approval for ECPAT International’s Human Trafficking Awareness Training program. Working directly with ECPAT, the Depuhls collaborated to refine the training curriculum, which has now been formally approved by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation’s Division of Hotels & Restaurants.

The approval comes in response to Florida Statute 509.096, which requires annual human trafficking awareness training for employees of public lodging establishments who perform housekeeping or front desk duties. In collaboration with Airbnb, the Depuhls helped shape and strengthen the course content to ensure it met Florida’s compliance standards and addressed the realities facing the short-term rental industry. Their contributions included advocating for clearer definitions related to child labor exploitation and helping align the training with state regulatory requirements.

“We are thrilled to announce that after the requested updates were made, the training has been officially approved,” said Gabriela Kühn, head of private sector engagement and child protection at ECPAT International. “We would like to thank Pascal and Jacomina for the connection, collaboration, and recommendations that helped formalize this training for Florida.”

As advocates for safety, accountability, and ethical hospitality practices, the Depuhls leveraged their experience through Miami Vacation Stays and MaSTRmind to help bring this critical training to Florida’s short-term rental sector (STR). Following a successful pilot phase, the finalized course officially launched statewide in early 2026.

With the state approval now in place, Florida short-term rental operators can utilize the ECPAT curriculum to help fulfill their legal obligations under state law while equipping hospitality professionals to better identify and report suspected human trafficking activity.

About Miami Vacation Stays & MaSTRmind

Founded by Pascal and Jacomina Depuhl, Miami Vacation Stays provides professionally managed short-term rental experiences throughout South Florida. MaSTRmind serves as a resource and educational platform for hosts seeking to build successful, professional, and ethically responsible short-term rental businesses.

Pascal and Jacomina also serve as volunteer community leaders for Airbnb in Miami and the Florida Keys.

Media Contact

Miami Vacation Stays / MaSTRmind
Pascal Depuhl
Email: hello@mastrmind.org
Phone: (786) 554-6253
Websites:
Miami Vacation Stays
MaSTRmind