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Bill

HB 663

Use of Tracking Devices or Applications to Commit Dangerous Crimes

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Tiffany Esposito and 1 co-sponsor

Florida law criminalizes using tracking devices or apps to commit dangerous crimes, establishing penalties for technology-enabled stalking, kidnapping, and violent offenses.

Laid on Table, companion bill(s) passed, see CS/SB 1168 (Ch. 2025-71)
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 663

Legislative bill overview

HB 663 criminalizes the use of tracking devices or applications to facilitate dangerous crimes in Florida. The bill establishes penalties for individuals who employ tracking technology to commit offenses such as stalking, harassment, kidnapping, or other violent crimes. This legislation addresses the intersection of modern technology and criminal activity.

Why is this important

Tracking technology has become increasingly accessible and affordable, enabling both legitimate and criminal uses. This bill recognizes that perpetrators can exploit GPS devices, smartphone apps, and location-sharing features to locate victims or monitor their movements for harmful purposes. The law provides law enforcement with clearer authority to prosecute technology-enabled crimes and gives potential victims additional legal protections.

Potential points of contention

  • Definition and scope ambiguity: The bill's exact definitions of "tracking devices" and "applications" could be unclear, potentially affecting legitimate uses of location services (parental monitoring of minors, employee tracking, consensual sharing apps)
  • Mens rea requirements: Questions about whether perpetrators must knowingly use tracking with criminal intent versus negligent or reckless use, which affects prosecution difficulty
  • Technology companies' liability: Unclear whether technology platform providers could face liability or enforcement obligations regarding their role in enabling such tracking

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

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