Cyberintimidation by Publication
Florida law prohibits a person from electronically publishing the personal identification information of another person with the intent that the information will be used to:
- incite violence or the commission of a crime against the person; or
- threaten or harass the person, such that he or she is placed in reasonable fear of bodily harm.
The crime of cyberintimidation by publication is a first degree misdemeanor, punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a $1,000 fine.
Related crimes include the criminal use of personal identification information under Section 817.568(4), F.S.
Attorney for Cyberintimidation Crimes in Tampa, FL
If you were charged with cyberintimidation by publication, a first degree misdemeanor, contact an experienced criminal defense attorney in Tampa, FL, at the Sammis Law Firm.
Our attorneys represent clients charged with computer crimes, including cyber harassment and cyber intimidation by publication.
Contact us for a free consultation to discuss the charges pending against you, the typical penalties imposed after a conviction, and the best ways to avoid those consequences by aggressively fighting the criminal charges in court.
Call 813-250-0500.
Definitions under Florida’s Cyber-Intimidation Statute
The term “personal identification information” is defined to mean any name or number that may be used, alone or in conjunction with any other information, to identify a specific person, including any:
- telecommunication identifying information or access device;
- medical records;
- unique electronic identification number, address, or routing code;
- unique biometric data, such as fingerprint, voice print, retina or iris image, or other unique physical representation;
- name, postal or electronic mail address, telephone number, social security number, date of birth, mother’s maiden name, official state-issued or United States-issued driver’s license or identification number, alien registration number, government passport number, employer or taxpayer identification number, Medicaid or food assistance account number, bank account number, credit or debit card number, or personal identification number or code assigned to the holder of a debit card by the issuer to permit authorized electronic use of such card;
- other number or information that can be used to access a person’s financial resources.
The term “electronically publish” is defined to mean “to disseminate, post, or otherwise disclose information to an Internet site or forum. Under the bill, “harass” means to engage in conduct directed at a specific person that is intended to cause substantial emotional distress to such person and serves no legitimate purpose.
The term “harass” does not include using personal identification information for accepted commercial purposes. Furthermore, the term does not include constitutionally protected conduct such as organized protests.
This article was last updated on Wednesday, April 12, 2023.
