Florida counties pull back high-tech license-plate readers amid privacy concerns

Gov. Ron DeSantis’ De-Flocking order prompted Osceola, Lake, and Seminole counties to pause or dismantle their license-plate reader networks on Central Florida roads, with Lake County commissioners voting to remove them and several cities (Altamonte Springs, Casselberry, Lake Mary, Oviedo, Sanford, Winter Springs, Clermont and Groveland) following suit; Orange County plans to continue where permitted. Supporters say LPRs help solve crimes and locate missing people, while critics warn of privacy invasion and a potential surveillance state. The move could reduce coverage and complicate investigations, though lawmakers may pursue guardrails in the future.