summary
Introduced
02/24/2025
02/24/2025
In Committee
03/03/2025
03/03/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
06/16/2025
06/16/2025
Introduced Session
2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
An act relating to sexual cyberharassment; amending s. 784.049, F.S.; providing and revising legislative findings and definitions; providing criminal penalties for persons who sexually cyberharass other persons with specified intent or purpose; providing criminal penalties for persons who commit the offense of sexual cyberharassment with a specified intent or purpose; providing enhanced criminal penalties for second or subsequent violations; authorizing an aggrieved person to initiate a civil action to recover punitive damages; making technical changes; amending s. 775.15, F.S.; providing time limitations for commencing prosecution for violations of sexual cyberharassment; providing an effective date.
AI Summary
This bill addresses sexual cyberharassment by expanding and clarifying existing Florida law to provide stronger protections against the non-consensual sharing of intimate digital images. The legislation defines key terms like "digitally forged intimate image" and "sexually explicit image", and establishes criminal penalties for individuals who deliberately share sexually explicit images without consent. First-time offenders would face misdemeanor charges, while those who commit the offense with the intent to cause harm or for financial gain would face third-degree felony charges. Repeat offenders could be charged with more serious second-degree felonies. The bill also allows victims to pursue civil actions, including seeking injunctive relief, monetary damages (up to $10,000 or actual damages), and punitive damages. Additionally, the legislation introduces specific time limitations for prosecuting such offenses, with 5 years for misdemeanors and 7 years for felonies, which can be extended if the victim discovers the offense later. The law is designed to protect individuals' privacy and prevent the malicious distribution of intimate images, recognizing that sharing an image privately does not remove an individual's reasonable expectation of privacy. The bill is set to take effect on October 1, 2025.
Committee Categories
Budget and Finance
Sponsors (1)
Other Sponsors (1)
Criminal Justice (Senate)
Last Action
Laid on Table, companion bill(s) passed, see CS/CS/HB 1451 (Ch. 2025-84) (on 04/29/2025)
Official Document
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bill summary
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