Florida Laws on GPS Tracking and Surveillance: Can You Track Someone Legally?
If you’re considering tracking someone’s location using GPS or conducting surveillance in Florida, it’s important to understand the laws before taking any action. Whether you’re dealing with a cheating spouse, child custody concerns, or employee misconduct, Florida has specific legal guidelines that govern what is — and isn’t — allowed when it comes to GPS tracking and surveillance.
As a licensed private investigator in Florida, we frequently get asked: “Can I legally track someone?” The short answer is: it depends — and this blog will explain when GPS tracking and surveillance are legal in Florida and when they can land you in serious legal trouble.
✅ Is GPS Tracking Legal in Florida?
Florida law allows some forms of GPS tracking, but the circumstances and consent matter.
Under Florida Statute §934.425, installing a tracking device on a vehicle without the owner’s consent is generally illegal. That means:
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You cannot place a GPS device on a car you do not own or lease, even if it’s your spouse’s or partner’s vehicle.
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Parents can legally track their minor children’s vehicles, especially if the parent owns the car.
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Employers may track company-owned vehicles, but it’s recommended that they notify employees to avoid privacy issues.
🔍 Exception: Licensed private investigators in Florida may use GPS tracking under certain legal and contractual circumstances — which is why many clients hire professionals instead of trying to track someone on their own.
🔍 Florida Surveillance Laws: What’s Allowed?
In Florida, surveillance is legal — as long as it doesn’t cross the line into harassment, stalking, or violate a person’s reasonable expectation of privacy.
Here’s what you can and can’t do:
✅ Legal Surveillance Activities:
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Following someone in public places
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Taking photos or videos in public areas
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Observing behavior from legally accessible locations
🚫 Illegal Surveillance Activities:
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Recording someone inside their home without consent
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Using audio recording devices without all-party consent (Florida is a two-party consent state for audio)
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Trespassing to install cameras or gather information
🛑 Florida Statute §934.03 makes it illegal to intercept or record any wire, oral, or electronic communication without the consent of all parties involved.
🕵️♂️ Why Hire a Florida Private Investigator for GPS or Surveillance?
Attempting to conduct surveillance or install tracking devices on your own can easily lead to unintentional legal violations. A licensed private investigator in Florida understands the laws, uses legal tools, and gathers admissible evidence without jeopardizing your case or your legal standing.
At Nathans Investigations, our team has extensive experience conducting legal GPS tracking and surveillance throughout Florida, including cities like Miami, Orlando, Tampa, Fort Lauderdale, and Jacksonville.
📝 Final Thoughts: Know the Law Before You Act
In Florida, GPS tracking and surveillance can be powerful tools in uncovering the truth — but only when used within the bounds of the law. Whether you’re trying to protect your children, catch a dishonest partner, or monitor employee behavior, the safest and most effective way to gather legal evidence is to work with a licensed private investigator.
📞 Need Help? Contact a Licensed Florida Private Investigator Today
If you’re considering GPS tracking or surveillance in Florida and want to ensure you’re doing it legally, contact Nathans Investigations for a free, confidential consultation.
Our Florida private investigators are ready to help you get the answers you need — ethically, professionally, and within the law.
Call us today at (855) 828-8280 for a FREE Consultation.