This bill amends Florida’s cyberintimidation-by-publication law to make it a crime to electronically publish another person’s personal identification information without consent when done with the intent to harass, threaten, incite violence, or facilitate a crime against that person, or with knowledge that a third party will use the information for those purposes. The bill removes the current requirement that the offender intend to place the victim in reasonable fear of bodily harm, which broadens the conduct covered by the statute.
The bill also increases the criminal penalty for a violation from a third-degree misdemeanor to a first-degree misdemeanor, making the offense more serious under Florida law. In addition, it creates a civil cause of action allowing an affected person to seek injunctive relief, damages, attorney fees, costs, and other equitable relief, while requiring proof by clear and convincing evidence. The act would take effect October 1, 2025.
Impact
The bill would amend section 836.115, Florida Statutes, by expanding the scope of prohibited cyberintimidation conduct and increasing the criminal consequences for unlawful publication of personal identifying information. It would also add a new civil remedy for victims, giving them a direct path to sue for relief in addition to any criminal enforcement. The affected parties include individuals whose personal identification information is posted online without consent, as well as people accused of publishing such information with the prohibited intent or knowledge.
Sentiment
The available voting history suggests strong support for the bill, with the House Criminal Justice Subcommittee approving it unanimously 15-0. No committee transcript is available here, but the vote pattern indicates little visible opposition at that stage. Overall, the bill appears to have been received favorably as a measure aimed at addressing online harassment and doxxing-related harms.
Contention
The main policy tension is between expanding protections for victims of online harassment and preserving speech and publication rights. The bill broadens liability by removing the requirement that the offender intend to place the victim in reasonable fear of bodily harm, which could be viewed as making the statute easier to enforce but also potentially sweeping in more conduct. Another point of interest is the new civil cause of action and the clear-and-convincing-evidence standard, which may be seen as balancing victim remedies against the risk of frivolous claims.