Making an Unlicensed Radio Transmission

Section 877.27, F.S., prohibits a person from either:

1. making a radio transmission if he or she is not licensed or exempt for licensure by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC); or
2. from causing an unlicensed radio transmission to interfere with a licensed radio public or commercial radio station.

A person charged with makingprohibited radio transmissions can be charged with a third degree felony punishable by up to five years in Florida State Prison and a $5,000 fine.

Some of these allegations involve global positioning system (GPS) jammers, which are devices using radio frequency transmitters in order to intentionally block, jam, or interfere with GPS systems. Federal law makes it illegal to market, sell, or use GPS jammers.

Such devices have been linked to cargo thefts throughout the United States. See Federal Bureau of Investigation, Private Industry Notification 141002-001, Cargo Thieves use GPS Jammers to Mask GPS Trackers (Oct. 2, 2014).

The Florida legislature has also proposed amendments to s. 877.27, F.S., to clearly prohibit a person from using a device prohibited by the Federal Communications Commission that would cause interference with the legal use of a GPS to track vehicles.

A person who violates this prohibition commits a third degree felony.

Additional Resources

Florida Statute Section 877.27 – Visit the website of the Florida Senate to find Florida Statute Section 877.27 which prohibits making an unauthorized radio transmission or causing interference with a public or commercial radio station licensed by the FCC.

Attorneys for Radio Transmission Crimes in Florida

If you are charged with a felony offense for making a transmission over the radio under Florida Statute Section 877.27, then contact an experienced criminal defense attorney in Tampa, FL, in Hillsborough County.

Our offices are conveniently located in downtown Tampa, Clearwater, and New Port Richey.

Contact an attorney at Sammis Law Firm. Call (813) 250-0500.

This article was last updated on Friday, December 30, 2022.