The bill amends Florida Statute 836.115 concerning cyberintimidation by publication. It removes the requirement that a person must be placed in reasonable fear of bodily harm for a threat to be considered a violation of the statute. Additionally, the bill increases the criminal penalty for such violations from a misdemeanor to a felony of the third degree.

Furthermore, the bill introduces a provision allowing individuals whose personal identification information has been published electronically in violation of the statute to pursue civil action against the perpetrator. This civil action can seek various forms of relief, including injunctive relief, monetary damages, and reasonable attorney fees. To succeed in such a civil action, the plaintiff must prove the violation by clear and convincing evidence. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
H 781 Filed: 836.115