Florida scanner law inquiry

wonabet · #1 (**permalink**) 10-20-2009, 03:16 PM

I have checked out the Florida laws for a handheld in your vehicle, and see that it is not allowed at all in the entire state. I have talked to fellow employees from small towns that used to listen at home and rush out to a scene, which should not be allowed, and I highly disagree with that mentality. Police and Fire personnel have enough problems to deal with, without adding to the situation. The other reason i have heard is because it would greatly help the criminal, which I also understand. My frustration is that, for the few, the many good citizens have to do without.I would think it would be very helpful to the police to have more eyes and ears to assist with information to be phoned into the dispatcher if someone they were looking for was sitting in the next car over from you, or being able to get out of the way in advance in a high speed chase, or upcoming accident. My main question, was it always illegal or has it ever been looked into to change this law? Just so we're clear, I am not some nut that would be chasing criminals or cars, just looking to help. Thank you for taking the time to read this.

aharry · #2 (**permalink**) 10-20-2009, 04:18 PM

The law has actually gotten stricter. For years the law said you could not “mount” a scanner in your car. The then Attorney General Bob Butterworth clarified the issue by issuing an opinion that “mount” meant physically attached and wired into the vehicle. A few years back they fixed this loophole by rewriting the law that says you can not have it period. The exceptions are a licensed amateur operator or a group of narrowly defined occupations (news, alarms, and public safety). Since starting a new career in one of the defined fields is not an option for most people, that leaves getting your amateur radio license.

Harry_Dick · #3 (**permalink**) 10-21-2009, 02:52 AM

They will never mess with you if you get caught. Unless you are in the middle of a crime scene or chasing down police cars. I know many officers and they even told me they wont even bother with crap like that unless you are suspect. Go the easy route get a ham ticket then you wont have to worry. Anybody with half a brain and studying the questions on a computer for 20 mins can get the ticket.

wonabet · #4 (**permalink**) 10-21-2009, 09:20 AM

Thanks very much for the replys. I enjoy listening at home and certainly would in my vehicle. I will go the route of the license. Thanks again.

lchspanther2006 · #5 (**permalink**) 10-21-2009, 09:28 AM

Morning everyone.

It has always bothered me about the Florida law reqarding scanners in vehicles. I live in Georgia, but traveltoFlorida a few times a year. I am a certified firefighter and first responder in Georgia. Is that appliable in florida to allow me to have my scanner? I have my VHF mounted and my scanner mounted permanently so removal is not an option. I just never turned it on in FL when I was down there. Thanks for the help.

KS4VT · #6 (**permalink**) 10-21-2009, 03:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lchspanther2006

I am a certified firefighter and first responder in Georgia.

Just carry your id...you should be ok being a certified firefighter.

Quote:

(e) An employee of a government agency that holds a valid Federal
Communications Commission station license or that has a valid agreement or
contract allowing access to another agency's radio station.

lchspanther2006 · #7 (**permalink**) 10-21-2009, 06:18 PM

thanks for the information. I was always worried about getting stopped in FL. Im sure they can tell I have at least one scanner in my car, since I have 4 antennas on the rear of the car.
1 AM/FM
1 Mag Mount Scanner Antenna
1 Glass Mount Antenna
1 VHF Mag Antenna

I wonder if I havent ever been stopped since I have a GA firefighter plate on my car? Anywho, it is nice to know that I shouldnt have a problem if I do happen to get stopped in FL.

Thanks a bunch.

khoelldobler · #8 (**permalink**) 10-23-2009, 05:08 PM

drive safely, just don't give them any reason to pull you over and you will be fine!! I do not like the Florida scanner law myself, but can appreciate its value to Law Enforcement. The shame of it all, is that the bad guy who intends to break the law, will most likely break the law by using a scanner himself, without regard to the scanner law, so in all actuality, the bad guys got one in his car, and we good guys don't! The GA FF license tag is probably helping to some degree.

The antennas mounted on your vehicle could give you away, but wear your seat belt, don't speed, and its highly unlikely that you will ever be pulled over. Its almost like this comparison... cops usually dont pull over kids who look underage just to see if they have cigarettes in their possession... but will always pull them over for more obvious driving conditions/reasons.

aharry · #9 (**permalink**) 10-23-2009, 05:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by khoelldobler

drive safely, just don't give them any reason to pull you over and you will be fine!! I do not like the Florida scanner law myself, but can appreciate its value to Law Enforcement. The shame of it all, is that the bad guy who intends to break the law, will most likely break the law by using a scanner himself, without regard to the scanner law, so in all actuality, the bad guys got one in his car, and we good guys don't! The GA FF license tag is probably helping to some degree.

The antennas mounted on your vehicle could give you away, but wear your seat belt, don't speed, and its highly unlikely that you will ever be pulled over. Its almost like this comparison... cops usually dont pull over kids who look underage just to see if they have cigarettes in their possession... but will always pull them over for more obvious driving conditions/reasons.

I personally would not put my faith in this because cops are human, we all have good days and bad days.. a cop having a bad day needs no other reason, he could simply see or hear the radio in your vehicle and decide this is the day he will enforce the statute. If you want to have a scanner in your vehicle in Florida get your radio license.

Bolt21 · #10 (**permalink**) 10-24-2009, 12:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aharry

If you want to have a scanner in your vehicle in Florida get your radio license.

Amen. It only takes a small investment of time to study, and a small investment of $14 to take the test. I got my technician license a few years back solely for the purpose of having my beloved scanner with me while mobile, and not having to stress about having that one LEO that's having a bad day pull me over and ruin my day over having said scanner.