Bill targets websites that don't remove mug shots

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — The Florida Legislature is pushing through a bill that targets websites that charge individuals a fee to remove their mug shot.

The bill targets companies that obtain booking photos from law enforcement agencies and put them online along with the person's name.

The companies then charge arrestees up to hundreds of dollars to remove them or face continued embarrassment.

Under the proposed law, an individual could obtain a court order for removal, and the website would be subject to a $1,000-a-day fine if it doesn't comply.

Florida is trailing several states in addressing the practice by such websites as mugshots.com.

Mug shot companies, as well as media outlets, use Florida's strong open records laws to obtain content for their sites.

WFTV