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Current as of January 01, 2023 | Updated by FindLaw Staff
(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
Cite this article: FindLaw.com - Florida Statutes Title XLVII. Criminal Procedure and Corrections § 934.21. Unlawful access to stored communications; penalties - last updated January 01, 2023 | https://codes.findlaw.com/fl/title-xlvii-criminal-procedure-and-corrections/fl-st-sect-934-21/
FindLaw Codes may not reflect the most recent version of the law in your jurisdiction. Please verify the status of the code you are researching with the state legislature or via Westlaw before relying on it for your legal needs.
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