Are Dash Cams Legal?
Posted on: February 21, 2025If you’re like many Floridians, you may have a dashboard camera installed in your car—or you’re at least considering one. Dash cams have become increasingly popular among drivers looking to protect themselves in accidents and to capture unexpected moments on the road.
But before you install one, you might be wondering: Are dash cams legal in Florida?
The short answer is yes, dash cams are legal—but there are important state laws that regulate how and where they can be used.
In this article, we’ll break down Florida’s dash cam laws, explain how a dashboard camera can help in an accident, and share the best practices for using one legally and effectively.
Are Dash Cams Legal?
Yes, dash cams are legal in Florida, but their use is subject to certain state laws regarding placement and audio recording. While dashboard cameras can provide valuable video footage for accidents and insurance claims, drivers must ensure they follow Florida’s regulations to avoid legal issues.
Legal Placement of a Dash Cam
Florida law prohibits placing any object that obstructs a driver’s view on the windshield. This includes facing cameras, GPS devices, and video recorders.
Many drivers install their dash cameras on the dashboard or rear window to comply with this law while still getting a clear view of the road.
Audio Recording and Privacy Laws
If your dash cam records audio, you need to follow Florida’s two-party consent law under Florida Statute 934.03. This means that if you have passengers in your car, you must inform them that they are being recorded.
Failure to notify passengers about audio recordings could result in legal consequences, even if the video footage itself is lawful. Some dash cams allow you to disable audio recording to avoid privacy concerns. In many cases you may forget to advise a friend about your dash cam and may be technically be recording them illegally. So, it is best to consider these issues and whether you want audio on at all times.
By understanding Florida’s dash cam laws, you can legally use a dashboard camera to protect yourself on the road while ensuring your recordings remain admissible in court if needed.
Wondering if you have a case? Take our quiz to find out.
Yes, dash cam footage is generally admissible in court in Florida, but only if the dashboard camera did not obstruct the driver’s view and any audio records were made with passenger consent.
In fact, recorded videos from a dash cam can serve as strong evidence in accident cases. Unlike eyewitness accounts, which can be inconsistent or biased, video footage provides an objective record of what actually happened.
However, courts may reject dash cam footage if it has been altered, edited, or fails to comply with state laws regarding placement or audio recording. If you’ve been in an accident and have dash cam footage, consulting an attorney can help determine whether it is admissible in court and how it can be used to strengthen your claim.
How Dash Cams Can Help in an Accident
In the aftermath of a crash, determining who was at fault can be challenging, especially when both drivers have conflicting accounts of what happened.
Unlike witness statements, which can be unreliable, a dashboard camera captures an unbiased record of the accident that clearly shows vehicle positions, potentially vehicle speeds, traffic signals, and negligent or aggressive driving behaviors leading up to the moment of impact.
If another driver was at fault, your dash cam footage can serve as proof, helping you secure compensation for vehicle repairs, medical bills, and other losses. Insurance companies often review video and audio footage when assessing claims, and having clear evidence can speed up the process and reduce disputes.
However, it’s important to remember that recorded videos don’t just work in your favor—they can also be used against you. If you were speeding, distracted, or violating traffic laws, the footage could provide evidence of your own negligence.
Before submitting dash cam footage with an insurance claim, review it carefully to ensure it supports your case. In some situations, an attorney can help you determine the best way to use recorded footage in your claim.
You also want to be careful about capturing the video footage and storing it properly for future use. You may want to consider having an expert remove the dash cam video if yo will need it later to ensure everything has been captured.
Best Practices for Using a Dash Cam Legally
To ensure your dashboard camera is both effective and compliant with Florida law, follow these best practices:
- Consider Full Coverage: To capture the most complete video footage, consider installing multiple cameras or a video recorder with night vision. These options provide a broader view of the road and improve visibility in low-light conditions.
- Mounting Tips: Your dash cam must not obstruct your view of the road, so mount it in a way that keeps your windshield clear and complies with legal placement of dash cam regulations.
- Drive Safely: Since recorded footage can be reviewed by law enforcement and insurance companies, always follow traffic laws and drive responsibly.
- Recording Guidelines: If your dash cam records audio inside the car, Florida law requires you to notify passengers every time they are being recorded. If you prefer, you can disable audio recording features to avoid potential legal issues.
- Sharing Footage: Know when and how to provide recorded footage to an insurance claim or law enforcement. Be mindful of what your video shows before submitting it, as it may be used in accident investigations.
By following these best practices, you can ensure your dash cam footage is both legally compliant and useful in the event of an accident or dispute.
Protect Your Rights
Dash cams are legal in Florida, but their use comes with important regulations regarding placement and audio recording. Ensuring that your dashboard camera is mounted correctly and that any audio recordings comply with Florida’s two-party consent law can help you avoid legal issues while maximizing the benefits of having a dash cam.
When used properly, recorded videos from a dash cam can be a powerful tool in accident claims, insurance disputes, and legal cases. They provide clear, objective evidence that can help prove fault, protect you from false claims, and support your version of events. However, it’s always important to review your footage carefully before submitting it to an insurance company or law enforcement.
We have seen many cases won on liability issues because our client had video footage of what occurred. This can be especially important when determining who was properly proceeding through an intersection controlled by a traffic signal. It is also helpful when someone violates your right of way, and you need to prove how little, if any, time you had to avoid a potential collision.
If you’ve been in an accident and need help using your dash cam footage as evidence, Beers & Gordon’s experienced car accident attorneys can guide you through the process and relentlessly pursue the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Jim Gordon
Jim Gordon earned his Juris Doctorate from the University of Nebraska in 1997, and two years later began working at a firm in Orlando handling insurance defense matters on cases involving vehicle accidents, negligence, product liability, and more. He established Beers & Gordon P.A. with David Beers in 2009 to represent the rights of people injured because of negligence. He is a member of the invitation-only National Trial Lawyers organization and the Million Dollar Advocates Forum.
