Florida takes sweeping action against license plate readers as cities drop Flock

Florida has taken decisive action against automated license plate reader technology, revoking permission for law enforcement agencies to operate the cameras on state highway rights-of-way. The order, issued by the Florida Department of Transportation, applies statewide and grants police agencies 30 days to remove the devices. This is one of the most comprehensive government actions yet against the controversial technology.

Flock Safety, a company that specializes in automated license plate readers, has become almost synonymous with the technology. However, Florida’s directive applies to all such cameras, including those supplied by competitors like Axon and Motorola. The state appears to be the first to order the wholesale removal of these cameras from its highway system, rather than limiting their use or cutting funding.

The order stems from concerns about the recent surge in camera deployments, misuse of the technology, data privacy issues, and surveillance schemes. Florida officials cite these factors as justifications for the removal.

While the order primarily targets cameras installed within state highway rights-of-way, it does not prohibit license plate readers on local roads or private property, where most of the devices are located.

Cities across Florida have followed suit, with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office discontinuing its use of license plate readers in Duval County, Pasco and Manatee counties banning or removing the devices, and Oviedo’s mayor vowing to eliminate the cameras by the end of September. Governor Ron DeSantis had previously expressed his concerns about the proliferation of license plate readers, describing their proliferation as "out of control" and warning against the creation of a surveillance state.

Flock Safety has defended the use of its cameras, arguing that they aid police in solving serious crimes, recovering stolen vehicles, and locating missing persons. The company suggests that a ban would be misguided and that thoughtful legislation and strong privacy, transparency, and accountability safeguards should be implemented instead.

Other states, including Texas, Wisconsin, and Tennessee, have also taken steps to reconsider their use of Flock cameras. Texas Governor Greg Abbott directed state agencies to stop funding the cameras due to misuse concerns, while Wisconsin Mayor Austin Hammond ordered the removal of all Flock cameras in Menasha, citing privacy and data access issues. In Tennessee, Hamilton County Sheriff Austin Garrett paused all 70 automated license plate readers under his jurisdiction.

Massachusetts communities have also taken action, with several towns, including Abington, Ayer, Southbridge, and Groton, discontinuing their Flock camera programs following internal reviews and community discussions. This trend reflects a broader national movement as state and local officials, as well as community members, challenge the use of automated license plate readers.