Florida Governor DeSantis Orders Removal of Flock Cameras from State Highways
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has ordered the removal of Flock Safety license plate reader cameras from all state highways within 30 days. The Florida Department of Transportation revoked permits for these devices, citing concerns over data privacy and misuse. While the order applies only to state roads, several local sheriff’s offices and counties have voluntarily ended their own programs. Flock Safety argues the technology is vital for public safety, while critics demand broader legislative restrictions.
Key points
- FDOT revoked all permits for automated license plate readers on state rights-of-way, mandating removal within 30 days.
- The order covers state highways like I-10 and I-75 but does not affect cameras on city, county, or private property roads.
- Sheriffs in Duval, Clay, Bradford, Nassau, and Alachua counties announced they would discontinue or remove LPR technology.
- DeSantis cited a specific case where a Florida officer used LPR data to track an ex-girlfriend as evidence of potential abuse.
- Flock Safety responded by stating the technology helps solve crimes and find missing persons, urging for guardrails instead of a ban.
Background
This action follows a broader national backlash against automated surveillance. In late August 2026, Texas Governor Greg Abbott paused state funding for Flock cameras after investigations revealed significant spending on the network. The current Florida move extends this trend, with DeSantis calling for legislative solutions to prevent the state from becoming a digital surveillance state.
How outlets are covering it
WCTV and WESH emphasize the executive nature of the order, noting it can be revoked by a future governor. NBC News highlights the national context, including vandalism of cameras and class-action lawsuits. News4JAX provides detailed reactions from local sheriffs, noting that while some acknowledge the technology's value in solving crimes, they prioritize community trust and privacy concerns. Flock Safety maintains that the ban is an overreaction to a critical public safety tool.
Why it matters
The decision sets a precedent for how states regulate automated surveillance technology. It highlights the tension between law enforcement efficiency and individual privacy rights, potentially influencing future legislation in other states regarding the use of AI-powered cameras on public infrastructure.
What to watch
The 30-day deadline for removing cameras from state highways is approaching. DeSantis has called for legislative action in the spring to create permanent restrictions. Local governments not affected by the state order may face pressure from residents to pause their own contracts or publish data on existing deployments.
- Gov. DeSantis bans Flock cameras from state highways WCTV
- Florida bans Flock and other license plate readers from state highways as backlash grows NBC News
- All license plate readers must be removed from state-maintained roads, FDOT says WESH
- DeSantis on Flock cams: It’s not the government’s ‘d— business’ if you go to Buc-ee’s WFLA
- Northeast Florida law enforcement agencies cut ties with license plate reader use after FDOT’s directive News4JAX
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