The bill amends section 836.115 of the Florida Statutes to address cyberintimidation by publication. It establishes that a violation occurs when a person's personal identification information is electronically published without their consent. The bill removes the previous requirement that the offender must intend for the victim to experience reasonable fear of bodily harm, instead focusing on the intent to harass, threaten, or incite violence against the individual whose information is published. Additionally, the bill increases the criminal penalty for such violations from a misdemeanor to a third-degree felony.

Furthermore, the bill introduces a civil cause of action for individuals whose personal information has been published in violation of the law. It allows these individuals to seek various forms of relief, including injunctive relief, monetary damages, and attorney fees. To succeed in a civil action, the aggrieved person must prove the violation by clear and convincing evidence. The act is set to take effect on October 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
H 781 Filed: 836.115
H 781 c1: 836.115