Chapter 934 Section 21 - 2024 Florida Statutes

2024 Florida Statutes

Title XLVII CRIMINAL PROCEDURE AND CORRECTIONS

Chapter 934 SECURITY OF COMMUNICATIONS; SURVEILLANCE

SECTION 21Unlawful access to stored communications; penalties.

934.21 Unlawful access to stored communications; penalties.—

(1) Except as provided in subsection (3), whoever:

(a) Intentionally accesses without authorization a facility through which an electronic communication service is provided, or

(b) Intentionally exceeds an authorization to access such facility,

and thereby obtains, alters, or prevents authorized access to a wire or electronic communication while it is in electronic storage in such system shall be punished as provided in subsection (2).

(2) The punishment for an offense under subsection (1) is as follows:

(a) If the offense is committed for purposes of commercial advantage, malicious destruction or damage, or private commercial gain, the person is:

1. In the case of a first offense under this subsection, guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 934.41.

2. In the case of any subsequent offense under this subsection, guilty of a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, s. 775.084, or s. 934.41.

(b) In any other case, the person is guilty of a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.

(3) Subsection (1) does not apply with respect to conduct authorized:

(a) By the person or entity providing a wire or electronic communications service;

(b) By a user of a wire or electronic communications service with respect to a communication of or intended for that user; or

History.—s. 9, ch. 88-184; s. 9, ch. 89-269.