Florida AG Uthmeier Wants Tougher Penalties for Scam Calls & Texts

Florida Attorney General Daniel Uthmeier proposed new legislation Friday to combat the rising tide of scam calls and text messages, including those using artificial intelligence.

Uthmeier stated current Florida laws inadequately address scammers' evolving tactics. He called current misdemeanor charges for many fraudulent texts insufficient.

The proposed Florida Anti-Spam Communications Act would elevate penalties for certain communications fraud offenses. Impersonating officials, spoofing phone numbers, using undisclosed AI-generated voices for solicitations, or sending fake warrants via text or email would become communications fraud.

High-volume or high-loss scam operations would become elevated felonies with mandatory prison sentences. The bill would also make possessing or importing phone farms or SIM farms—devices sending thousands of communications from one location—a felony.

Statewide Prosecutor Taylor Chatting warned that scammers increasingly use AI for voice cloning, phone number spoofing, and video manipulation to impersonate law enforcement, financial professionals, and even friends and family.

The Attorney General's office seeks expanded authority for the Department of Legal Affairs to independently investigate and prosecute scams. This would include seeking injunctions, restitution, civil penalties, and pursuing businesses involved in trafficking illegally obtained records. Communications providers would face new requirements for caller ID authentication and responding to traceback requests.

The proposal also mandates that telemarketing "STOP" requests be honored within days, not weeks.

Lawmakers have not yet filed the bill, and its final language, penalties, and enforcement procedures could change. Uthmeier urged legislators to consider the proposal.

The Attorney General's Office recovered nearly $10 million for scam victims this year. Residents receiving suspicious calls or texts should not send money. Report suspected scams online at MyFloridaLegal.com or by calling 1-866-9NO-SCAM.