A new Florida law effective October 1 has stiffened punishments for using Bluetooth trackers like Apple AirTags in stalking or violent crimes, classifying them as felonies with up to 15 years in prison, following a rise in cases where the devices enable covert surveillance of victims.

The legislation addresses the growing misuse of small GPS gadgets hidden in vehicles or belongings to monitor ex-partners or targets, a trend that has exploded since AirTags launched in 2021.

Under the updated statute, deploying trackers in offenses like murder, assault, kidnapping, rape, or robbery carries 15-year sentences; standalone stalking now qualifies as a felony with five years, a jump from prior misdemeanor treatment.

Palm Beach County Victim Services program manager Jannifer Diaz reported 164 stalking survivors aided this year—a record—emphasizing the violation's terror: "You're safe, but actually monitored in everything."

Law enforcement and advocates recommend vigilance for repeated sightings or phone notifications, with free vehicle sweeps available at local stations.

The law, responding to over 100 charges this year alone, aims to deter tech-enabled abuse while adapting to digital evidence, potentially curbing incidents that once drew light penalties.