Florida’s Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) has begun notifying people whose personal information may have been exposed in a cyberattack linked to an international cybercriminal organization.
According to the agency, attackers accessed certain department records on September 4, 2026, using compromised credentials belonging to an employee of the Plant City Police Department. Investigators found that the employee’s login details had been improperly stored on a personal electronic device, allowing a criminal actor to gain unauthorized access to the system.
The breach potentially exposed driver’s license records, motor vehicle information, document images, and other personal details. The agency has not disclosed the total number of affected individuals or confirmed how many records were accessed. However, the cybercriminal group ShinyHunters previously claimed responsibility for the attack, although Florida officials have not publicly confirmed the group’s involvement.
FLHSMV says it took immediate steps to contain the incident, block unauthorized access, reset relevant credentials, and strengthen security measures. The agency is investigating the breach alongside the Florida Digital Service and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
In an October 16 update, the department announced that it would send notification letters to current driver’s license and identification card holders whose information may have been affected. It also acknowledged that some former Florida residents might not receive direct notifications because the agency may no longer have their current mailing addresses.
Affected individuals are being offered one year of complimentary identity and credit monitoring services, along with $1 million in identity theft insurance. The department has also advised people to monitor their financial accounts and credit reports for suspicious activity.
FLHSMV said it currently has no evidence that the exposed information has been misused. The investigation remains ongoing, and the agency has not confirmed the full scope of the breach.
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People who previously held a Florida driver’s license, identification card, or vehicle title and have not received a notification can contact the department at [email protected] or visit the official FLHSMV data breach information page.
