FLHSMV releases statement after international cybercriminal organization carries out data breach in Florida

Florida – The Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Department (FLHSMV) has released a statement after learning that an international cybercriminal organization carried out a data breach earlier this month.

According to the department, the breach was discovered on September 4, 2026. Officials said the incident was quickly contained and that there has been no further breach since the initial event. FLHSMV also said the breach is not currently ongoing.

The department immediately began investigating what happened and how the criminal group was able to gain access. The investigation found that a criminal actor used the credentials of a single Plant City Police Department user.

Those credentials, according to FLHSMV, had been improperly stored on the employee’s personal electronic device. The compromised credentials provided the pathway that allowed the criminal actor to carry out the breach.

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The incident has prompted a coordinated response involving several Florida agencies. FLHSMV said it is working with the Florida Digital Service and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement as officials continue to respond to the situation and investigate the circumstances surrounding the breach.

FLHSMV has also taken steps required under Florida law. The department said it provided the required notice of the security breach to the Office of the Attorney General under Section 501.171 of the Florida Statutes.

Officials have not released additional details about the information that may have been accessed or taken during the incident. The department said that is because the investigation remains active and involves criminal activity.

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“As this Is an ongoing criminal investigation, further information will be released at an appropriate time in the future.”

The department’s statement comes as agencies continue working to determine the full circumstances of the breach. For now, FLHSMV said the incident has been mitigated and there is no indication that another breach has occurred or that the criminal activity is continuing.

The investigation will remain ongoing as state and law enforcement officials work to address the incident and determine whether additional information can be made public at a later stage.