If you live in Florida, understanding the rules around video and audio recording is more important than ever. With doorbell cameras, security systems, and smartphones everywhere, it’s easy to capture footage without realizing the legal boundaries. Florida law draws a clear line between what’s allowed for safety and what counts as a crime.
So, what are residential security camera laws in Florida? In this guide, we cover Florida video recording laws for 2025, including when cameras can be installed, where they are prohibited, and how consent works for recording conversations. You’ll also learn the penalties for breaking these laws and tips to stay compliant. Let’s get started!
What Are Florida’s Video Recording Laws?
It’s important to note that audio and video recording laws in Florida are treated differently, with separate statutes governing privacy, consent, and penalties.
Digital Voyeurism Explained (§810.145)
Florida’s digital voyeurism statute makes it illegal to secretly record or broadcast people in situations where they reasonably expect privacy.
- 810.145(2)(a)1 and §810.145(2)(a)2:It is unlawful to use an imaging device to secretly record, view, or broadcast someone who is dressing, undressing, or privately exposing their body in places like homes, bathrooms, or dressing rooms.
- 810.145(2)(a)3:It is also illegal to record under or through another person’s clothing without their consent, including attempts to view undergarments.
- 810.145(3) & §810.145(4):Disseminating, distributing, or selling recordings made in these unlawful ways is itself a separate crime.
Wiretapping and Consent Laws (§943.03)
Florida also regulates audio recording under its wiretapping and consent laws. The state is an all-party consent jurisdiction.
- 934.03(2)(d): A person may legally intercept or record wire, oral, or electronic communications only if all parties involved give prior consent. This rule applies to security cameras that capture audio as well as phone calls and face-to-face conversations.
Exceptions exist for emergency services like 911, law enforcement acting with consent from one party in criminal investigations, and parents or guardians recording conversations involving children if they reasonably suspect threats or abuse.
Where Is It Legal or Illegal to Install Security Cameras in Florida?
Security cameras are useful tools for protecting property, but video surveillance laws in Florida set boundaries. Understanding where they can be installed legally and where they cross into privacy violations is essential for compliance.
Where Cameras Are Permitted
Under Florida laws video recording in public (§810.145(5)(b)-(c)), indoor and outdoor security cameras are allowed for security purposes if they are clearly visible or if a posted notice informs people that surveillance is in place. This typically covers public-facing areas such as driveways, storefronts, offices, and front yards, where no reasonable expectation of privacy exists. In these spaces, recording is considered lawful because individuals are already in public view.
Where Cameras Are Prohibited
According to §810.145(2)(a)1–3, security cameras may not be installed to secretly record in locations where people expect privacy. This includes bathrooms, bedrooms, dressing rooms, and similar private areas, as well as recording under or through clothing. Furthermore, §810.145(3)–(4) makes it a crime to distribute or sell any recordings captured in violation of these rules.
Do I Need Consent to Record Conversations with My Camera?
A common question is whether consent is required when recording conversations with security cameras in Florida.
The answer is yes. Florida is an all-party consent state under §934.03(2)(d). This means that before recording any private conversation with audio, you must have the permission of every person involved. Recording without full consent is considered unlawful.
There are limited exceptions. For example, law enforcement officers may legally intercept or record conversations with the consent of just one party when gathering evidence for a criminal investigation (§934.03(2)(c)). Additionally, emergency service calls such as 911 may be recorded as part of routine operations. For private individuals, however, failure to obtain everyone’s consent can bring criminal charges and civil liability.
What Are the Penalties for Breaking the Law?
Violating Florida’s recording laws carries serious consequences. The severity of the penalty depends on whether the case involves a video recording under §810.145 or an audio recording under §934.03.
Under §810.145 (Digital Voyeurism), secretly recording or broadcasting someone in a private setting is treated differently by age:
- Offenders under 19 face a first-degree misdemeanor.
- Offenders 19 or older face a third-degree felony, which may mean up to 5 years in prison, probation, and fines.
Penalties become harsher for repeat offenders or people in positions of trust, such as family members or caregivers. In these cases, charges can be raised to second- or even first-degree felonies, carrying longer prison terms and higher fines.
Under §934.03 (Wiretapping and Consent), recording conversations without the required all-party consent is also a third-degree felony, punishable by up to 5 years in prison and financial penalties. Although there are limited exceptions (such as law enforcement investigations or routine emergency recordings), most violations fall into the felony category.
In short, Florida law treats unlawful recording as a serious crime, not a minor mistake, and the consequences can follow offenders for life.
How Can I Stay Compliant While Protecting My Property?
Florida’s recording laws may sound strict, but homeowners can still use technology to improve safety without breaking the rules. The key is knowing how to balance security with privacy. Here are some core tips:
Use Cameras in Lawful Areas
Outdoor security cameras, like the eufyCam S4, are usually safe to install when positioned to monitor public-facing spaces such as driveways, porches, or yards by setting private areas. It is equipped with three lenses and provides Tri-Cam hybrid tracking technology, which can track the picture faster and more flexibly, clearly lock your subject, and record a complete and clear story for you. Of course, it can also eliminate blind spots and be your unblinking guardian, giving you a more secure user experience. Similarly, indoor security cameras are fine in common living areas of your own home. However, problems arise if your cameras are pointed into neighbors’ windows or private spaces.
Disable or Limit Audio Recording
Florida’s all-party consent law makes recording conversations riskier than video alone. Many security devices capture audio by default, but you can often disable this feature in the settings. If you need audio—for example, through a video doorbell—be mindful that conversations with delivery drivers or visitors may require clear notice or posted signage.
Post Notices and Be Transparent
Transparency goes a long way in avoiding disputes. Posting a simple sign like “Premises Under Video Surveillance” not only meets the requirements of §810.145(5)(b) but also acts as a deterrent to would-be intruders. Being upfront with family members, tenants, or guests about the presence of cameras also helps maintain trust and ensures compliance.
Review and Update Regularly
Laws and technology evolve, so homeowners should review their setup at least once a year. Check whether camera angles, storage methods, and features like motion alerts still align with state law. Updating your devices and policies keeps you both compliant and secure.
Conclusion
Florida video recording laws establish a clear boundary between lawful surveillance and unlawful invasion of privacy. Secretly recording people in private spaces or capturing conversations without consent can lead to serious consequences, including fines, felony charges, and even prison time.
It's essential to understand the distinction between public and private areas as well as laws on video versus audio recording for compliance. Careful camera placement, disabling audio when necessary, and posting visible notices are simple steps that promote both safety and transparency.
FAQs
Is it illegal to video record someone without their permission in Florida?
Yes, if the person is in a place where they have a reasonable expectation of privacy, such as bathrooms, bedrooms, or changing rooms. Florida Statute §810.145 makes secretly recording or broadcasting in these settings a crime. Public areas, however, are generally not protected the same way.
What is the new recording law in Florida?
Florida continues to enforce strict rules under §810.145 and §934.03. The laws prohibit secret video recording in private settings and require all-party consent for audio recordings. Violations are treated as misdemeanors or felonies, depending on circumstances, with penalties including fines, probation, or prison terms of up to five years.
Is Florida a one-party consent state in public?
No. Florida is an all-party consent state, even in public settings, if the conversation is considered private. If people reasonably expect that others cannot overhear, recording requires everyone’s consent. Conversations in truly public areas, like busy streets, where no privacy is expected, are generally not covered by this rule.
Can you record a conversation in Florida at work?
It depends. If the conversation at work is considered private, all parties must consent under §934.03. Secretly recording coworkers or supervisors could result in criminal charges. In contrast, general workplace areas with no expectation of privacy may be monitored legally, especially if the employer provides clear notice of surveillance.
