Miami, FL asked in Civil Litigation for Florida

Q: Can you post someone’s public information online to have the public report them for a crime?

Could I post someone’s name, address, contact information so the general public can report them for a crime?

As far as I understand, posting someone’s Information, even if it’s easily accessible to the public, with intent to harm or intimidate, is illegal. But what if you are posting this information, for an educational purpose, or to warn others? If one knows a predator resides at a certain address in a certain neighborhood, could one post that information for the general public to be aware and protect themselves? Or to have the public report said predator for a crime they committed that hasn’t been brought to justice?

What if someone posted this information, but stated specifically that it not be used for malicious intent, or harassment purposes - could the laws regarding this still be upheld?

I’ve never fully understood this. Any insight helps. Thanks!

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2 Lawyer Answers
Bruce Alexander Minnick
Bruce Alexander Minnick
Answered
  • Tallahassee, FL
  • Licensed in Florida

A: Decades ago I learned that whenever I had a brand new idea to write, say or do something that appeared to be ground-breaking and never before written, said or done by anyone else I would stop and ask myself this question: "Why has no one ever thought of this before?" The answer is usually "Because it is a stupid idea--one that others tried before and got hammered for trying." Advice: Forget what you are thinking about doing.

1 user found this answer helpful

Charles M.  Baron
Charles M. Baron
Answered
  • Hollywood, FL
  • Licensed in Florida

A: You are treading on very dangerous ground, even if there is no applicable criminal statute. Depending on the language of your intended post, you could be sued for invasion of privacy, intentional infliction of emotional distress, or other civil causes of action. If you believe someone committed a crime, report it to law enforcement, period.

1 user found this answer helpful

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