Florida2026Active
HB0359
Search Warrants: New Rules for Bodies, Devices, Remote Judges, and Drones
Last scannedAug 24, 2026, 10:35 AM
In one sentence
This law updates Florida rules to allow search warrants for deceased bodies, set specific return deadlines for digital devices, permit remote appearances before judges, and authorize drone use with a warrant.
What it does
- Allows police to get a search warrant specifically to find and recover the body of someone who has died.
- Sets different deadlines for returning warrants to court: 20 days for out-of-state electronic data providers, 30 days for DNA specimens, and up to 45 or 365 days depending on whether computers are already in police possession.
- States that seizing a computer or electronic device within 10 days counts as timely execution of the warrant, even if reviewing its data takes longer.
- Permits judges to allow law enforcement officers to appear remotely via audio-video technology when applying for a search warrant or court order.
- Authorizes police agencies to use drones for searches if they first obtain a signed search warrant from a judge.
Who it affects
- Law enforcement officers who apply for or execute search warrants
- Judges who issue and review search warrants
- People whose property, devices, or bodies may be searched under these new rules
Limits and unknowns
- The text does not explain how judges decide whether to allow remote appearances or drone use.
- The bill sets deadlines but does not list penalties if police miss these return dates.
- The law defines when a device is seized, but it does not detail the specific steps for analyzing data on those devices.
Plain language
Terms to know
- Search warrant
- A legal document signed by a judge that allows police to look for and take specific items.
- Audio-video communication technology
- Tools defined in state law (s. 117.201) used so people can see and hear each other from different places.
- Timely executed
- For digital devices, this means the device was seized by police within 10 days of the warrant being issued.
Official record
Sources
Official summary
Search Warrants
Official activity
Bill history
- Chapter No. 2026-177