Use of Tracking Devices or Applications to Commit Dangerous Crimes
Summary
CS/HB 663 amends Florida’s tracking-device statute to create a higher criminal penalty when a person uses a tracking device or tracking application to commit or facilitate a dangerous crime. The bill keeps the existing prohibition on knowingly installing or using tracking technology on another person or that person’s property without consent, while preserving a set of exceptions for law enforcement, certain parents and guardians, caregivers of elderly or disabled adults, legitimate business uses, and vehicle owners or lessors under specified conditions.
The bill also clarifies when consent is presumed revoked, including when spouses file for dissolution of marriage or when either party seeks certain protective injunctions. It takes effect October 1, 2025, and would make a general violation of the section a third-degree felony, but elevate violations tied to dangerous crimes to a second-degree felony.
Impact
The bill amends s. 934.425, Florida Statutes, by adding an enhanced penalty tier for tracking-device or tracking-application misuse connected to dangerous crimes, increasing exposure from a third-degree felony to a second-degree felony in those cases. It does not broadly expand the underlying offense, but it strengthens enforcement against stalking, surveillance, or other criminal conduct involving location-tracking technology. The measure continues to define and preserve exceptions for law enforcement, family caregiving, business purposes, and certain vehicle-related uses, thereby limiting the statute’s reach to nonconsensual and criminal uses of tracking technology.
Sentiment
The bill appears to have received strong support in committee, passing the House Criminal Justice Subcommittee 16-0 and the House Judiciary Committee 21-0. The unanimous votes suggest broad agreement that using tracking technology to aid dangerous crimes warrants tougher punishment. No committee transcript was provided, so the available record shows consensus rather than detailed debate.
Contention
No recorded committee debate is available, and the votes were unanimous, so there is little evidence of active opposition in the materials provided. The main policy balance in the bill is between tougher penalties for criminal misuse of tracking technology and preserving exceptions for parents, guardians, caregivers, law enforcement, businesses, and vehicle owners. Any potential contention would likely center on how broadly “dangerous crime” is applied and whether the exceptions adequately protect legitimate uses while preventing abuse.