Some local law enforcement agencies have decided to remove ALPR technologies from all roadways within their jurisdiction.
By Catholics for Catholics
The Florida Department of Transportation announced the cancellation of the permits and licenses it approved for law enforcement agencies for the implementation of automatic license plate reader (ALPR) technology on state roads.
On Monday, Aug. 31, the Department said the cameras are required to be removed within 30 days, according to a story by First Coast News.
The conclusion came after an outcry from citizens disturbed by the notion of more surveillance and reported cases of law enforcement exploiting the technology for personal gain.
“While Florida law limits the issuance of permits for LPR systems to law enforcement agencies, the recent exponential increase in deployments along our roadways, coupled with concerning reports of misuse, data privacy concerns, and surveillance schemes merit immediate action to preserve Floridians’ sovereignty and quality of life,” FDOT said in the memorandum.
Nevertheless, the order does not ban police agencies from using ALPRs on county and city roads, but some have already taken the command beyond, ordering the end of the use of automatic license plate reader cameras throughout their jurisdiction. In Northeast Florida, that includes Jacksonville, Clay County, Putnam County and Bradford County.
The Transportation directive comes just days after Gov. Ron DeSantis called the use of automated license plate readers “out of control.”
JUST IN: FDOT cracks down on license plate readers, orders Flock cameras removed from state roads
— Florida’s Voice (@FLVoiceNews) August 31, 2026
“The purpose of this memorandum is to notify local law enforcement agencies of updates related to the Florida Department of Transportation’s (Department) authority regarding the…
DeSantis, during an Aug. 26 news conference, admitted that technology like Flock cameras could aid law enforcement crack crimes, but stressed that he doesn’t want Florida to become a “surveillance state.”
Still, a Flock spokesperson countered in a statement to First Coast News, saying that its technology has been an important tool for public safety across Florida and spoke against any bans on its usage.
“In just the last few weeks in Florida, the technology was used to find missing children, led to the arrest of a murder suspect, and assisted in solving numerous other crimes,” a Flock spokesperson said. “Rather than banning a critical public safety tool, we support thoughtful legislation and strong privacy, transparency, and accountability guardrails that ensure technology is used responsibly while preserving law enforcement’s ability to use effective tools to keep people safe.”
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