Florida Bans Automated License Plate Readers from State Highways Over Privacy Concerns
Tallahassee, Tuesday, 1 September 2026.
On August 31, 2026, the Florida Department of Transportation ordered the removal of all automated license plate readers, including systems operated by Flock Safety, from state-maintained highway rights-of-way within 30 days. Citing exponential expansion, data misuse, and warrantless surveillance of ordinary citizens, state officials revoked existing permits and halted new approvals. The policy shift has prompted several law enforcement agencies, including the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, to halt their camera programs entirely. While security vendors and certain law enforcement officials emphasize the technology’s effectiveness in solving serious crimes, privacy advocates and state leaders argue that unregulated data tracking violates public sovereignty. Because roughly 98% of surveillance cameras reside on local roads or private property, local sheriffs are exploring alternative placements, while lawmakers advocate for comprehensive statewide regulations to address the growing conflict between public safety and digital privacy.
Statewide Mandate and Immediate Compliance
On August 31, 2026, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) issued a directive mandating the removal of all automated license plate readers (ALPRs) from state-maintained highway rights-of-way within 30 days [1][4]. This order revokes all previously issued permits and halts future approvals for such devices on state roads, effective immediately [2][5]. FDOT COO Will Watts cited an exponential increase in deployments and reports of misuse as driving factors for the decision to preserve Floridians’ sovereignty [1][4]. Agencies failing to comply by the deadline, calculated as 30 days from the memorandum date, face removal of the devices by the state [2][6]. Governor Ron DeSantis supported the move, stating he does not want Florida to become a surveillance state despite supporting law enforcement tools [4][5]. This development follows previous reporting on Flock Safety’s call for federal rules amid growing backlash [7].
Law Enforcement Reaction and Operational Impact
Reaction among law enforcement agencies has been mixed, with some discontinuing use entirely while others seek workarounds [1][3]. The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office announced it would discontinue the use of ALPR technology throughout its jurisdiction effective immediately following the state order [1]. Similarly, Volusia Sheriff Mike Chitwood stated that license plate readers are no longer workable in Florida without a clear legal framework [4][6]. Conversely, Indian River County Sheriff Eric Flowers indicated intentions to comply but is exploring partnerships with private property owners to relocate affected cameras [3]. Sheriff Flowers noted that approximately 50% of the Flock cameras in Indian River County are impacted by the state-wide mandate [3]. Orange County Sheriff John Mina warned that losing the technology would be a huge detriment to law enforcement and a win for criminals [4].
Privacy Concerns and Legislative Future
Privacy advocates and politicians are calling for comprehensive legislation to address the underlying concerns regarding warrantless surveillance [2][5]. Representative Anna Eskamani highlighted that license plate readers record the movements of ordinary people without public vote or warrants [2]. The push for regulation follows incidents such as the arrest of a Kentucky police officer around August 23, 2026, for allegedly misusing the system over 2,000 times [1][5]. Democratic gubernatorial candidate David Jolly has called on Governor DeSantis to convene a special legislative session to regulate ALPRs permanently [5][6]. Governor DeSantis has acknowledged the need for legislative solutions next spring, noting the current order is an executive action that could be revoked by a successor in January 2027 [6][7]. Over 100 local governments have canceled or failed to renew ALPR contracts since the beginning of 2025 [1].