NewsABC Action News (WFTS) — NewsSeptember 15, 2026Hillsborough County
Hackers breach Florida driver database via Plant City police login, renewing push for privacy protections
Photo: ABC Action News (WFTS) — News
Hackers accessed Florida's state driver database using a login belonging to an employee of the Plant City Police Department. The security breach has renewed a Republican lawmaker's push to establish stronger data privacy safeguards and limits on the sale of driver data.
Read the full story at ABC Action News (WFTS) — NewsWhy It Matters
A security breach in a state driver database exposes personal information of Florida drivers and drives legislative efforts to alter how driver data is protected and sold.
Key Facts
- Hackers accessed Florida's driver database.
- The breach occurred using a Plant City police employee's login.
- The incident renewed a Republican lawmaker's push for stronger data privacy protections and limits on driver-data sales.
Who's Mentioned
locationFlorida“State where the driver database breach occurred.”PersonAlexis Calatayud“State Senator who sponsored an identical bill”OrganizationFlorida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles“State agency managing the driver database”locationPlant City“Location of the police employee whose login was used in the breach”PersonPeggy Gossett-Seidman“State Representative proposing data privacy legislation”locationHighland Beach“Home district or location associated with Rep. Gossett-Seidman”OrganizationLexisNexis“Company handling driver information”PersonSonia Arvin“Lakeland resident interviewed regarding solicitation concerns”PersonHarrell“State Senator discussed regarding upcoming legislative attempt”OrganizationExperian“Company handling driver information”OrganizationFlorida Department of Law Enforcement“Assisting with the criminal investigation”PersonAdam Walser“Scripps reporter who conducted a 2019 investigation”OrganizationFlorida Digital Service“Assisting with the criminal investigation”