St. Lucie County Uncovers 11 Unclaimed Flock Cameras Amid Statewide Removal Order
St. Lucie County, Florida, discovered 14 unpermitted Flock automated license plate reader (ALPR) cameras during a statewide removal effort. While the Sheriff's Office claimed three devices without explaining the lack of permits, 11 remain unclaimed. Officials have placed plastic covers on the cameras and issued a 30-day notice for removal, with deadlines expiring between October 16 and 20. The incident highlights ongoing concerns over unauthorized surveillance and data privacy in the US.
Key points
- St. Lucie County authorized 52 Flock cameras but found 66 total, revealing 14 unpermitted units.
- The Sheriff's Office claimed three of the extra cameras but refused to explain why they lacked permits.
- Eleven cameras remain unclaimed, with no known owner among local police departments or private entities.
- Officials have covered the unclaimed cameras with plastic and issued a 30-day notice for removal.
- One camera has already disappeared, and the removal deadline expires between October 16 and 20.
Background
This incident follows a broader national backlash against Flock Safety's AI-powered surveillance technology. In September 2026, Florida's Department of Transportation ordered the removal of license-plate readers from state roads within 30 days, citing privacy concerns. Governor Ron DeSantis criticized the tools as potential surveillance state mechanisms. Earlier coverage noted that while state-road removals are underway, the broader network of city, county, and HOA cameras remains vast across South Florida. A 2024 Forbes investigation and recent reports in Massachusetts and Utah have documented Flock installing cameras without permits or informing local officials.
How outlets are covering it
TechSpot and The Washington Post emphasize the mystery surrounding the 11 unclaimed cameras and the potential for non-law enforcement entities to access sensitive data. Ars Technica highlights resident concerns, quoting locals who feel 'very unsafe' due to the lack of transparency, and notes that Flock has a history of installing cameras without permits in other states. WPTV focuses on the logistical response, noting that county staff are actively working to identify owners and will remove or cover the cameras by the deadline. All sources agree that the Sheriff's Office claimed three cameras but failed to justify the lack of permits, while Flock has downplayed the issue by stating that permitting requirements vary by jurisdiction.
Why it matters
The discovery of unpermitted surveillance cameras in St. Lucie County underscores the risks of opaque data collection and potential misuse by law enforcement or private actors. It highlights the challenges in regulating AI-powered surveillance technologies and the need for stricter oversight and transparency in public safety infrastructure. The incident may prompt further legislative action, such as the recent bill introduced by a Florida congressman to require warrants for ALPR use.
What to watch
St. Lucie County officials plan to remove or cover the unclaimed cameras by the October 16-20 deadline. If the cameras remain, the county will contact Flock to ensure removal. The Sheriff's Office is expected to provide an explanation for the unpermitted deployment of the three claimed cameras. Flock has stated it is in discussions with the county to resolve the issue before the deadline.
- A Florida county discovered 14 Flock cameras nobody authorized, and 11 remain unclaimed TechSpot
- Florida county discovers mysterious Flock cameras with no obvious owner The Washington Post
- Florida cops say they don’t know who owns 11 unpermitted Flock cameras Ars Technica
- 'Who put it up?' Unpermitted license plate readers found in St. Lucie County WPTV
- Some flock cameras are coming down ABC7 WWSB
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