GPS trackers — such as AirTags — can do a lot of good, transmitting your location in real time to loved ones.

However, they can also be used by criminals trying to learn people’s habits, making them an easier mark for crimes without the victim knowing a tracker was placed.

“How simple it is now to be able to drop an AirTag into somebody’s purse, stick it under their car, drop it into their seat, anything like that, just to be able to track somebody is quite frightening,” said Jamie Bond Ciancio, director of advancement for Place of Hope. “They can follow and track you and create a lifestyle, understand the inner workings of your lifestyle.”

Florida Senate Bill 758, which makes using a tracking device without the person’s knowledge a felony charge, became law Tuesday.

“We’ve seen a number of cases over the years involving domestic issues, such as an ex-husband installing a tracker on a car. We’ve had some victims of stalking cases,” remarked Sgt. Kevin Jaworski, who works in the Criminal Investigations Division at the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office.

“One of the reasons we don’t see it is that a lot of the time, it goes undetected. Some of these devices are so small,” said Martin County Sheriff William Snyder. “You throw it in the car, how would they ever know? They may never know.”

Under the new law, this type of crime will be punishable by up to five years behind bars.

“This gives us an enhanced ability to go after people who are illegally tracking,” Sgt. Jaworski explained. “Illegally tracking somebody not only violates their individual rights to privacy, but it also presents a security issue for them.”

Some believe this law will effectively minimize the use of hidden trackers on unsuspecting people.

“Once you see a couple of cases come out where people are getting charged with a felony now, I think once word gets out, you’ll see a reduction in these types of cases,” Sgt. Jaworski said.

“I think it does make people think twice about doing something nefarious,” Ciancio added.

Others are not so sure.

“Would somebody who wanted to stalk someone by illegally planting a tracking device now think twice? I’m not sure, but I do know that if we catch them, they’ll have about five years in prison to think a lot more than just twice,” Sheriff Snyder said.

Despite the change in law, authorities say vigilance remains key to safety and recommend anyone who suspects they’re being followed or monitored with a tracker they didn’t consent to alert local law enforcement.