A new bill could soon allow nursing home and assisted living residents in Florida to install personal surveillance cameras—commonly known as “granny cams”—in their private rooms. Filed by Republican State Senator Ileana Garcia for the upcoming 2025 legislative session, Senate Bill 64 (SB 64) aims to give families more oversight and peace of mind regarding the care of their loved ones.
What the Bill Proposes
Under the bill, residents would be allowed to install cameras at their own expense for both installation and removal. However, for residents sharing rooms, permission from their roommate is required. If a roommate disagrees, the facility must accommodate by relocating one of the residents.
The legislation also allows consenting roommates to place restrictions on the cameras, such as directing them away from certain areas or prohibiting specific types of devices.
Supporters See Accountability; Critics Raise Privacy Concerns
The proposed legislation comes amid increasing concerns about the quality of care in long-term care facilities. A 2022 investigation by the Tampa Bay Times revealed a sharp rise in serious violations in Florida nursing homes. Between 2019 and 2022, citations for putting residents in “immediate danger” nearly doubled compared to the previous six years.
Supporters of SB 64, including the Florida Justice Association, say the cameras could improve accountability and help prevent neglect or abuse. Attorney Nathan Carter, chair of the Florida Justice Association’s nursing home committee, described the bill as a “significant step toward improved patient care for Florida’s seniors.”
However, industry representatives, such as the Florida Health Care Association (FHCA), express concerns about balancing accountability with residents’ privacy. Kristen Knapp, FHCA’s senior director of strategy and communications, warned that cameras could capture intimate moments—like bathing, dressing, or toileting—potentially violating privacy.
Knapp also raised legal questions regarding federal privacy laws like HIPAA, especially when roommates are involved.
Learning from Other States
More than a dozen states already allow residents to use surveillance cameras in nursing homes. Louisiana, for example, passed its “granny cam” law in 2018 after addressing privacy, cost, and liability concerns. Leading Age Southeast, which represents nursing homes across multiple states, noted that the cameras have seen minimal use in Louisiana facilities, with no significant issues reported.
Steve Bahmer, president and CEO of Leading Age Southeast, acknowledged the legislation’s potential but emphasized that implementing similar measures in Florida would require thoughtful discussion and planning to address concerns on all sides.
What’s Next for SB 64?
While the proposal has yet to gain a House counterpart, its filing has sparked an important conversation about transparency, safety, and privacy in Florida’s long-term care facilities. As lawmakers prepare for the 2025 session, families, advocates, and industry leaders will continue to weigh in on this controversial but potentially impactful measure.