Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has announced plans to eliminate automated license plate readers from state roadways, as stated in a memo from the Florida Department of Transportation received by the Daily Caller.
On Monday, DeSantis mandated the removal of all Flock cameras from the “state highway system,” which encompasses major interstates such as I-10 and I-75, within a span of 30 days.
This decision is in response to increasing worries over how these automated systems might be misused.
In the wake of this announcement, several sheriff’s offices, including those from Putnam, Liberty, and Franklin counties, have decided to discontinue their own license plate reading programs.
The memo also highlights that if the cameras are not taken down from state rights-of-way within the stipulated 30-day period, the state will handle their removal.
DeSantis emphasized that while his administration supports law enforcement, there are growing concerns about the misuse of such surveillance technology. He pointed out instances where the data has been exploited, like a case involving an officer using LPR data to track an ex-girlfriend.
Flock cameras are assuming you’re guilty. Is “solving crime” really an appropriate trade-off for a mass-surveillance state? Garrett Langley wants to prioritize “compromise.” Ron DeSantis says this gets a lot worse without protections… and the whole thing needs to be overhauled. pic.twitter.com/DAsTpmFjHJ
— Ashley Brasfield (@BrasfieldAshley) August 27, 2026
The memo also notes that the FDOT will refuse any future permits for additional cameras.
However, this order only pertains to roads that are part of the State Highway System, which means the license plate readers may still be in force on city and county roads unless broader legislative changes are made in the next session.
This move aligns with growing concerns among lawmakers nationwide regarding the advanced camera networks and AI systems deployed for tracking vehicles.
During a press conference at Florida International University in Miami, DeSantis mentioned that he views the current situation as “out of control” when asked about license plate readers.
🚨 JUST IN: Gov. Ron DeSantis’ FDOT is hereby TAKING DOWN Flock cameras statewide over privacy concerns in state rights-of-way
All existing permits for automated license plate readers, even installed by local law enforcement, in state highway rights-of-way — are REVOKED
FDOT is… pic.twitter.com/H631aHoJhy
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) August 31, 2026
While DeSantis supports equipping law enforcement with necessary tools for crime investigation, he has cautioned against transforming Florida into a “surveillance state.”
He believes this issue should be handled legislatively and has pushed for an artificial intelligence bill of rights.
“I think people are right to be concerned,” DeSantis remarked.
It’s worth noting that this decision might not be irreversible; a future administration could potentially reinstate the program after DeSantis finishes his term in January.
