Florida Data Privacy Rights: How to Remove Your Data Under FDBR

Florida residents enjoy some of the strongest data privacy protections in the nation, thanks to the Florida Data Broker Registration Law (FDBR) and related privacy legislation. If you're concerned about your personal information circulating online, understanding your Florida privacy rights is the first step toward reclaiming control of your data.

This comprehensive guide explains everything you need to know about data removal under Florida law, including your specific rights, how to exercise them, and how services like GhostMyData can streamline the process.

Overview of Privacy Laws in Florida

Florida has developed a robust framework of privacy protections that rival some of the nation's most comprehensive state laws. Understanding this landscape is essential for anyone looking to exercise their data removal rights.

The Florida Data Broker Registration Law (FDBR)

The Florida Data Broker Registration Law, codified in Florida Statutes § 501.171, represents the state's primary mechanism for regulating data brokers. Enacted to protect consumers from unauthorized data collection and sale, the FDBR requires:

Data brokers operating in Florida to register with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Brokers to maintain reasonable security measures to protect personal information
Brokers to provide consumers with mechanisms to request data deletion
Transparency regarding data collection and usage practices

Florida Information Protection Act (FIPA)

The Florida Information Protection Act (Fla. Stat. § 501.171) complements the FDBR by establishing security standards and notification requirements. Under FIPA, companies collecting Florida residents' data must:

Implement and maintain reasonable security measures
Notify affected individuals promptly in case of a data breach
Provide clear information about what data is collected and why

How Florida Compares to Other State Privacy Laws

While Florida's privacy rights are strong, they differ from laws like the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) and the European Union's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). The FDBR is specifically designed to address data broker activities, whereas the CCPA provides broader consumer rights across all businesses. However, Florida's approach has proven highly effective for targeting the data broker industry specifically.

Your Specific Rights Under Florida Privacy Law

As a Florida resident, you have concrete rights regarding your personal information. Understanding these rights empowers you to take action.

The Right to Know and Access Your Data

Under Florida privacy rights, you have the right to:

Request confirmation of whether a data broker holds your personal information
Receive a detailed list of the specific data elements collected about you
Understand the sources from which your data was obtained
Know the purposes for which your information is being used

The Right to Data Deletion

This is perhaps the most powerful right under FDBR data removal provisions. You can request that a data broker:

Delete your personal information from their databases
Cease collection of your data going forward
Remove your information from any secondary sales or distributions

The Right to Opt-Out of Data Sales

Florida law grants you the right to:

Opt out of the sale of your personal information
Request that brokers not sell or share your data with third parties
Maintain this opt-out status across multiple requests if necessary

The Right to Non-Discrimination

Data brokers cannot:

Deny you services based on exercising your privacy rights
Charge you fees for requesting data deletion or access
Retaliate against you for asserting your Florida privacy rights

Limitations and Exceptions

It's important to note that certain data may be exempt from deletion requests, including:

Information required by law to be maintained
Data necessary for fraud detection or security purposes
Aggregated or de-identified information
Data collected for legitimate business purposes with legal justification

How to Exercise Your Data Deletion Rights

Exercising your rights under the Florida Data Broker Registration Law requires a systematic approach. Here's what you need to know.

Identifying Which Data Brokers Have Your Information

Before you can request deletion, you need to identify which companies are holding your data. Data brokers typically fall into several categories:

People search sites: BeenVerified, Spokeo, TruthFinder, WhitePages
Credit reporting agencies: Equifax, Experian, TransUnion (though these have separate regulations)
Marketing data brokers: Acxiom, Oracle Data Cloud, Epsilon
Background check services: MyLife, Instant Checkmate, PeopleFinders
Aggregators: Pipl, Been Verified, Radaris

Direct Removal Requests

You can contact data brokers directly to request removal. The process typically involves:

Locating the broker's privacy policy or "removal request" page
Providing proof of identity (usually a copy of your ID)
Submitting your request through their designated portal or email
Following up if you don't receive confirmation within 30-45 days

Understanding Response Timelines

Under Florida law, data brokers must respond to deletion requests within a reasonable timeframe. While the statute doesn't specify an exact deadline, most brokers aim to comply within 30-45 days. Some may request additional verification to confirm your identity.

Which Data Brokers Operate in Florida

Numerous data brokers actively collect and sell information about Florida residents. Being aware of the major players helps you prioritize your removal requests.

Major National Data Brokers

Several large data brokers maintain extensive databases on Florida residents:

Acxiom: One of the largest data brokers globally, holding information on millions of Americans
Experian: Operates as both a credit bureau and data broker
Oracle Data Cloud: Maintains behavioral and demographic data on consumers
Epsilon: Specializes in consumer data aggregation and marketing
Equifax: Primarily known as a credit bureau but also operates as a data broker

Specialized Data Brokers

Smaller, specialized brokers focus on specific types of information:

People search sites: Spokeo, BeenVerified, TruthFinder, WhitePages, Radaris
Background check services: MyLife, Instant Checkmate, PeopleFinders
Real estate data brokers: Zillow, Redfin (for property information)
Health data brokers: Various companies collecting health-related information

Florida-Specific Data Brokers

Some brokers focus specifically on Florida residents or operate primarily in the state. Checking the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services registry can help identify registered data brokers operating in your state.

Step-by-Step: Filing a Complaint with the Florida Attorney General

If a data broker fails to respond to your removal request or violates your Florida privacy rights, you can file a complaint with the Florida Attorney General.

Before You File

Gather documentation showing:

Your original removal request (email, certified mail receipt, or screenshot)
The date you submitted the request
Any responses (or lack thereof) from the data broker
Proof that the data broker still holds your information
Evidence of any violations of your rights

The Filing Process

Step 1: Access the Florida Attorney General's Website

Visit the Florida Attorney General's Office website and locate the consumer complaint form. The AG's office handles privacy-related complaints through their Consumer Protection Division.

Step 2: Complete the Complaint Form

Provide detailed information including:

Your name, address, and contact information
The name and contact information of the data broker
A detailed description of what happened
Dates of your removal requests and any responses
Copies of supporting documentation

Step 3: Submit Your Complaint

You can typically submit complaints:

Online through the AG's website
By mail to the Florida Attorney General's Office
By phone to the Consumer Protection Division

Step 4: Follow Up

After filing, the AG's office will:

Acknowledge receipt of your complaint
Investigate the matter
Contact the data broker for their response
Notify you of any actions taken

What the Attorney General Can Do

The Florida Attorney General has authority to:

Investigate violations of the FDBR
Issue cease-and-desist orders
Seek civil penalties against violating data brokers
Require brokers to delete consumer data
Pursue legal action on behalf of Florida residents

How GhostMyData Automates Removals Under Florida Law

Manually contacting dozens of data brokers is time-consuming and often frustrating. This is where GhostMyData comes in.

The Problem with Manual Removal

Attempting to remove your data manually involves:

Researching which brokers have your information
Locating removal request procedures on each broker's website
Submitting individual requests with varying requirements
Following up repeatedly with non-responsive brokers
Dealing with brokers who make removal unnecessarily difficult

The process can take months and requires significant effort.

How GhostMyData Works

GhostMyData streamlines the entire process through automation:

Comprehensive Data Scan: We perform a free scan of the internet to identify which data brokers hold your information

Automated Removal Requests: Our system automatically submits removal requests to all identified brokers on your behalf, handling the specific requirements of each platform

Ongoing Monitoring: We continuously monitor whether your data reappears in broker databases and submit new removal requests as needed

Attorney General Coordination: If brokers fail to comply, we assist in filing complaints with the Florida Attorney General

Documentation: We maintain detailed records of all removal requests and responses, providing you with complete documentation of your efforts

GhostMyData's Compliance Expertise

Our team understands the nuances of Florida privacy law and how different data brokers interpret removal obligations. We know:

Which brokers are most responsive to removal requests
How to properly verify identity according to each broker's requirements
When to escalate complaints to regulatory authorities
How to handle brokers operating across multiple states with varying requirements

Real Results for Florida Residents

GhostMyData has successfully removed data for thousands of Florida residents from major data brokers including Spokeo, BeenVerified, TruthFinder, and many others. Our how it works page provides detailed information about our process.

Cost-Effective Solution

While GhostMyData offers a subscription service, the time and effort saved typically justify the cost. Consider that:

Manual removal requests require 5-10+ hours of research and submission
Many brokers ignore initial requests, requiring follow-ups
Some brokers make removal unnecessarily complex
Ongoing monitoring ensures data doesn't reappear

Check our pricing page to see affordable options for protecting your privacy.

FAQ: Florida Data Privacy Rights and FDBR Data Removal

How long does it take to remove my data under Florida law?

Data brokers must respond to removal requests within a reasonable timeframe, typically 30-45 days. However, some brokers may request additional verification, which can extend the timeline. GhostMyData automates this process and typically sees results within 60-90 days for most brokers, though some particularly difficult cases may take longer.

Can data brokers charge me to remove my data?

No. Under Florida privacy rights and the FDBR, data brokers cannot charge you a fee to delete your personal information or to honor your removal request. If a broker attempts to charge you, this may constitute a violation of Florida law.

What happens if a data broker refuses to remove my data?

If a data broker fails to respond to your removal request or refuses to delete your data, you can file a complaint with the Florida Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division. The AG has authority to investigate and take action against non-compliant brokers. GhostMyData can assist with this process and help document your removal efforts.

How often should I request data removal?

Once removed, your data should remain deleted. However, some data brokers may recollect your information over time through public records or other sources. GhostMyData's ongoing monitoring service ensures that if your data reappears, we automatically submit new removal requests.

Does the FDBR apply to all companies collecting data?

The FDBR specifically regulates "data brokers," which are companies whose primary business is collecting and selling consumer personal information. It doesn't apply to companies that collect data incidentally as part of their primary business (like a retail store collecting purchase information). However, those companies may still be subject to other Florida privacy laws and the FIPA.

How does GhostMyData compare to other data removal services?

GhostMyData specializes in state-specific privacy law compliance, meaning we understand the nuances of Florida privacy rights and the FDBR. We provide transparent pricing, detailed documentation, and ongoing monitoring. Our data broker comparison page provides more information about how we stack up against competitors.

Take Action Today: Protect Your Florida Privacy

Your personal information is valuable—to you and to data brokers. Under Florida law, you have the right to know what data is being collected about you and to request its deletion. However, exercising these rights manually is tedious and often ineffective.

GhostMyData makes it simple. Our automated platform handles the complexity of FDBR data removal, submitting requests to dozens of brokers and following up until your data is truly deleted. Start with a free scan to see which data brokers have your information, then let us handle the rest.

Don't let your personal information continue circulating in the hands of data brokers. Take control of your Florida privacy rights today with GhostMyData.