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NewsABC Action News (WFTS) — StateSeptember 15, 2026Hillsborough County

Hackers breach Florida driver database via Plant City police login, renewing push for privacy protections

Photo: ABC Action News (WFTS) — State

Hackers accessed Florida's driver database using a Plant City police employee's login credentials, prompting a renewed legislative push by a Republican lawmaker for stronger data safeguards and limits on selling driver data.

Data PrivacyCybersecurityLaw EnforcementDriver DatabaseState Government
Read the full story at ABC Action News (WFTS) — State

Why It Matters

The security breach of state driver databases impacts millions of residents whose personal information is stored by the state, influencing potential new state restrictions on data sales and privacy protections.

Key Facts

  • Hackers gained access to Florida's driver database.
  • The breach occurred using a login belonging to a Plant City police employee.
  • The incident renewed a Republican lawmaker's push for stronger data privacy safeguards.
  • The push includes proposed limits on the sale of driver data.

Who's Mentioned

locationFlorida“State where the breach and legislation take place”PersonAlexis Calatayud“State Senator who sponsored an identical Senate bill”OrganizationFlorida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles“State agency that manages the driver database and reported the breach”locationPlant City“Location of the police employee whose login was used in the hack”PersonPeggy Gossett-Seidman“State Representative proposing data privacy legislation”OrganizationPlant City“Police department whose employee login was used in the database breach.”locationHighland Beach“Representative Gossett-Seidman's district base”OrganizationLexisNexis“Private company handling driver information”PersonSonia Arvin“Lakeland resident whose sister received solicitations after obtaining a state ID”locationLakeland“Home of resident Sonia Arvin”PersonHarrell“State Senator discussed future legislative attempts with”OrganizationExperian“Private company handling driver information”OrganizationFlorida Department of Law Enforcement“Assisting with the criminal investigation into the database breach”PersonAdam Walser“Scripps reporter who investigated driver data sales in 2019”OrganizationFlorida Digital Service“Assisting with the criminal investigation into the database breach”