St. Lucie County Finds 14 Unpermitted Flock Cameras Amid Statewide Removal Order
St. Lucie County officials discovered 14 unpermitted Flock license-plate reader cameras, 11 of which have no clear owner, raising privacy concerns. This discovery occurs as Florida enforces a statewide order requiring the removal of such devices from state roads by late September, following backlash over surveillance misuse.
Key points
- St. Lucie County found 14 extra Flock cameras, with 11 lacking a clear owner or permit.
- Florida DOT ordered removal of all Flock cameras from state roads by Sept. 30, 2026.
- Some local agencies are covering cameras instead of removing them, citing compliance delays.
- Residents and officials are concerned about unauthorized data collection and surveillance misuse.
Background
In early September 2026, Florida’s Department of Transportation (FDOT) issued a 30-day order to remove Flock license-plate readers from state highways, citing privacy and surveillance concerns. Governor Ron DeSantis publicly criticized the technology as 'out of control.' Prior to this, several counties, including Hamilton and Volusia, paused or removed cameras, while a Miami Herald analysis noted that city and county-level cameras remained widespread, limiting the order’s impact on overall surveillance.
How outlets are covering it
The Washington Post highlights the mystery of unclaimed cameras in St. Lucie County, emphasizing privacy risks. WCJB and News4JAX focus on compliance with the FDOT deadline, noting that some agencies, like the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, covered cameras instead of removing them. Clay County Sheriff Michelle Cook argued that some privacy concerns are 'manufactured' and that technology is needed to fight crime, while St. Johns County cited crime-solving benefits. WPEC reported that Palm Beach County commissioners are also raising alarms over Flock cameras, indicating broad local opposition.
Why it matters
The discovery of unpermitted cameras in St. Lucie County underscores gaps in oversight and raises questions about who is accessing surveillance data. As Florida enforces removal orders, the tension between privacy advocates and law enforcement highlights the ongoing debate over the balance between public safety and mass surveillance.
What to watch
St. Lucie County plans to cover the unclaimed cameras and wait for removal notices to expire. Other Florida agencies are working to comply with the FDOT deadline, with some removing cameras and others covering them. Flock Safety has stated that permitting varies by location, and the company is facing continued scrutiny over data privacy and misuse.
- Florida county discovers mysterious Flock cameras with no obvious owner The Washington Post
- Palm Beach County commissioners sounding the alarm over Flock cameras WPEC
- Flock cameras to be removed on all state roads WCJB | TV20
- Northeast Florida agencies working to remove Flock cameras, license plate readers by end of Wednesday News4JAX
- Some South Florida mayors pushing for flock cameras to stay in use WPLG Local 10
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