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SB 1252

STANDARD ID-DOCUMENTATION

104th Regular Session Introduced by Andrew Chesney

Florida would create a statewide, real-time pawn data system (shared by law enforcement) to improve crime investigations and public safety.

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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 1252

Summary — SB 1252 (State of Florida) — Statewide Pawn Data Database

Note: Multiple bills in other states also use the number “SB 1252” but address different subjects (watershed/water law, university dementia training, identification card rules). This summary focuses on the Florida measure described in the committee reports and fiscal notes you provided (titled in analyses as “Statewide Pawn Data Database”).

Main purpose

SB 1252 directs the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), working with local law enforcement, to study and implement a centralized, statewide system for sharing “pawn data” to improve real‑time information sharing that supports criminal investigations and public safety.

Key provisions and requirements

  • Definition
    • “Pawn data” includes transactional information reported by secondhand dealers and secondary metals recyclers (Ch. 538, F.S.) and pawn shops (Ch. 539, F.S.), including descriptive details, photos, seller identification (e.g., thumbprint), serial numbers, dates/times, etc., as required under existing statutes.
  • Feasibility study and report
    • FDLE must conduct a feasibility study on creating a statewide pawn data database and report results to the President of the Senate and Speaker of the House by January 1, 2026.
    • The study is to evaluate minimum capabilities such as real‑time access, interoperability, data standards, security/privacy compliance, and free provision to law enforcement.
  • System build expectations (as described in analyses)
    • If implemented, the system must allow law enforcement agencies in all Florida counties to access, update, and share pawn data in real time.
    • The system must be free to law enforcement, interoperable with varied databases and software, and meet established data standards.
  • Data ownership and restrictions
    • Pawn data is declared the exclusive property of law enforcement.
    • Pawn data may not be sold, transferred, or commodified for commercial purposes.
    • Private vendors that host or process pawn data must comply with applicable privacy and security laws and must ensure law enforcement access without restrictions.
  • Penalties and enforcement
    • Civil penalties for vendors that sell, resell, or otherwise commodify pawn data: fines up to $500,000.
    • Law enforcement agencies that fail to share pawn data may face administrative penalties and possible restrictions on accessing other law enforcement databases.
  • Fiscal provisions
    • The FY 2025–26 General Appropriations Bill (SB 2500) appropriates $250,000 (nonrecurring) from FDLE’s Operating Trust Fund to competitively procure a contract to complete the feasibility study and related work described in the bill.
  • Effective date
    • The bill takes effect July 1, 2025. The feasibility study report deadline is January 1, 2026; analyses also refer to an operational deadline for a centralized system of December 31, 2026 (in earlier draft language).

Who is affected

  • FDLE: responsible for the feasibility study and (if enacted in full) leading system development/implementation.
  • All Florida law enforcement agencies: required beneficiaries with free, real‑time access and subject to sharing requirements.
  • Secondhand dealers, secondary metal recyclers (Ch. 538) and pawn shops (Ch. 539): sources of pawn data; systems/workflows for electronic reporting may be impacted.
  • Private vendors/contractors: vendors that host, aggregate, or provide pawn-data software must meet access, privacy, and non‑commercialization requirements and may face civil penalties for violations.
  • Local governments: potential indeterminate fiscal and operational impacts (costs to integrate local systems or comply with data‑sharing requirements).

Fiscal and timeline notes

  • Appropriation: $250,000 nonrecurring from FDLE Operating Trust Fund has been identified to support the feasibility study in FY 2025–26.
  • Report: FDLE must report feasibility study results by Jan 1, 2026.
  • System target date (stated in some analyses/versions): the centralized system should be in place by Dec 31, 2026 (if implementation proceeds beyond the study).
  • Local fiscal impact: described as indeterminate — local agencies may need resources to integrate, provide data, or upgrade systems.

Procedural status (as reflected in provided documents)

  • Committee reports and analyses (Commerce & Tourism; Appropriations on Criminal & Civil Justice; Fiscal Policy) show committee consideration and favorable reports for committee substitute versions (CS/CS/SB 1252).
  • The bill’s effective date (if enacted) is July 1, 2025; the study/report and appropriations timeline are tied to FY 2025–26 funding.

Practical considerations / potential impacts

  • Improved stolen‑property recovery and investigative efficiency through consolidated, searchable pawn-data across jurisdictions.
  • Technical and interoperability challenges: integrating diverse vendor systems, kiosks, and local law enforcement databases will require standards and resources.
  • Privacy and civil‑liberties considerations: policies must balance investigative utility with protections for seller personal data; the bill requires compliance with privacy laws but design and governance details will matter.
  • Vendor and procurement oversight: prohibiting commercial use of pawn data and imposing stiff civil fines will affect contracts and vendor business models.

If you want, I can:
- Produce a one‑page fact sheet for law enforcement or pawnshop operators summarizing compliance steps; or
- Draft a timeline of required actions and reporting deadlines for FDLE and affected agencies.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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