Is GPS Vehicle Tracking Legal in Florida? What Private Citizens and Investigators Need to Know

Vehicle GPS Tracking in Florida

When it comes to surveillance and investigations, many people wonder: Is it legal to place a GPS tracker on someone’s car in Florida? The answer is clear — unauthorized GPS tracking is illegal under Florida law and can lead to serious consequences.

What the Law Says

Under Florida Statute 934.425, it is a criminal offense to install a tracking device or tracking application on someone’s property without their consent. This law prohibits individuals — including private citizens, spouses, and even some professionals — from placing GPS trackers on vehicles they do not own or lease. Violating this statute is typically classified as a first-degree misdemeanor, but penalties can escalate depending on the circumstances.

Are There Any Exceptions?

There are limited exceptions. Law enforcement officers may install a tracking device only with a valid warrant or in accordance with lawful exceptions to warrant requirements. For private investigators and citizens, Florida does not allow the use of GPS trackers unless explicit permission is granted by the vehicle’s owner.

How This Impacts Private Investigations

At Royal Palm Investigations, we strictly follow all applicable state and federal laws. We do not use GPS tracking devices in our surveillance services. Instead, we rely on lawful methods — including visual surveillance, photo and video documentation, and public record research — to deliver accurate, admissible evidence in civil and criminal cases.

Trust Legal Experts for Surveillance Work

If you suspect infidelity, fraud, or need surveillance for a legal case, it’s important to work with a licensed private investigator who understands and abides by the law. Our team at Royal Palm Investigations provides legal, discreet, and court-admissible investigative services throughout Florida.

At Royal Palm Investigations, we regularly receive questions from clients and attorneys about the legality of GPS tracking in Florida. Whether you’re dealing with suspected infidelity, asset concealment, or employee misconduct, it’s important to understand what’s legally allowed when it comes to tracking someone’s movements.

What Florida Law Says About GPS Tracking Devices

Florida law is very clear: unauthorized GPS tracking is illegal.

Under Florida Statute § 934.425, it is a third-degree felony to knowingly install a tracking device or tracking application on another person’s vehicle without their consent. This law was enacted to protect individuals’ privacy and to prevent unlawful surveillance.

Violating this law can result in serious consequences, including arrest and prosecution. This applies to private citizens, employers, and even licensed investigators who attempt to use GPS devices without legal authority or the vehicle owner’s permission.

Exceptions to the Law

There are a few narrow exceptions where GPS tracking is permitted:

• The vehicle owner installs the device on their own car.
• A parent or legal guardian installs a tracker on a vehicle used by their minor child.
• A law enforcement officer installs a tracker under the authority of a warrant or court order.
• A business installs a tracker on a company-owned vehicle used by employees (though consent and policy documentation are still strongly recommended).

Why Licensed Investigators Don’t Use GPS Trackers Without Consent

While GPS tracking can be incredibly useful in an investigation, using it improperly risks violating Florida criminal law and jeopardizing your case. That’s why at Royal Palm Investigations, we never use GPS tracking devices without clear legal authority and ownership of the vehicle.

Instead, we rely on proven, court-admissible surveillance techniques such as:

• Physical surveillance conducted within the bounds of the law
• Background checks
• Open-source intelligence (OSINT)
• Vehicle spotting and documentation
• Photo and video evidence collection

These methods allow us to gather reliable evidence while staying fully compliant with legal and ethical standards.

What Happens If You Use GPS Illegally?

Installing a GPS tracker on a vehicle you don’t own—even with good intentions—can result in:

• Arrest and criminal charges
• Suppression of any evidence collected
• Potential civil lawsuits for invasion of privacy or harassment

If you’re unsure whether GPS tracking is legal in your situation, consult with an attorney or a licensed private investigator before taking action.

Need Surveillance Help? Stay Legal, Stay Safe.

Royal Palm Investigations has more than two decades of experience conducting professional surveillance in Florida. We work with family law attorneys, corporate clients, and private individuals who need evidence that will hold up in court—not evidence that puts them at legal risk.

📞 Contact us today to schedule a confidential consultation or explore our Surveillance Investigations page to learn more about our capabilities.