This bill establishes new requirements for the Florida Highway Patrol regarding the use of body cameras. It creates a new section, 321.51, which mandates that officers wear functioning body cameras while on duty during official law enforcement activities, ensuring that the cameras remain activated during critical encounters such as traffic stops and arrests. The Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles is tasked with adopting policies for the proper use and maintenance of these cameras, ensuring compliance with public records laws, and providing necessary training for officers. Additionally, the department is authorized to contract with third-party vendors for secure data storage of the recordings.

The bill also amends existing definitions in section 943.1718, clarifying that the terms "law enforcement agency" and "law enforcement officer" do not include members of the Florida Highway Patrol. Furthermore, it appropriates $2 million from the General Revenue Fund for the 2026-2027 fiscal year to support the implementation of these body camera requirements, including the purchase and maintenance of the cameras and the training of officers. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.