FDLE announces statewide sexual assault kit tracking system, empowering survivors

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — The Florida Department of Law Enforcement announced that FL Track-Kit, a sexual assault kit tracking database, is now available to survivors throughout Florida two months ahead of the July 1 deadline.

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FDLE implemented a statewide web-based tracking system that allows survivors to monitor the location and processing of their barcoded sexual assault kits (SAK) after Gail’s Law was passed in 2021.

“Victims of sexual assault deserve transparency and accountability as we pursue justice for the heinous crimes committed against them,” said Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Núñez. “Governor DeSantis signed Gail’s Law in 2021, and we commend Commissioner Glass and FDLE for implementing the tracking program two months ahead of schedule.”

Gail’s Law gave survivors the power to access information about the status of their kits, building upon previous requirements for law enforcement to submit SAKs from reporting survivors to crime labs within 30 days and created a 120-day mandatory turnaround time for testing.

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Survivors may also elect to be notified if a DNA match to an alleged perpetrator occurs.

“It was a privilege to sponsor this incredibly important legislation and work with Gail on this monumental achievement. I am so thrilled to see the tracking system operating at full capacity and I thank FDLE for their swift implementation of the new system,” said State Senator Linda Stewart. “Modernizing our state’s SAK tracking has been a long process, but we have finally completed this major step in placing power back in the hands of survivors.”

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The program began as a pilot project in June 2022 in northeast Florida and as of April 25, law enforcement agencies, medical facilities that collect SAKs, and crime laboratories throughout the entire state have received training and the opportunity to create portal sites specific to their roles.

“What goes on in the house’, stays in the house is no longer an option when it comes to abuse. This tracking system will not only help survivors but also protect the innocent,” said advocate Gail Gardner.

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According to a news release, the chain of custody of all evidence submitted to crime laboratories is still maintained by their Laboratory Information Management Systems. The Track-Kit database is a service for survivors.

If survivors have questions regarding information outside of the tracking database, they should contact the local law enforcement agency investigating their case.

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