Florida has become the first state to order the wholesale removal of automated license plate reader cameras from its state highway system. The Florida Department of Transportation revoked permission for law enforcement agencies to operate the devices on state roads, giving police departments 30 days to comply. The action targets all license plate reader brands, including Flock Safety, Axon, and Motorola, citing concerns about rapid deployment growth, misuse incidents, data privacy issues, and surveillance-related problems.
The directive has sparked momentum across the nation as multiple jurisdictions reconsider their use of the technology. Texas Governor Greg Abbott recently instructed state agencies to cease funding Flock cameras, while Wisconsin’s Menasha mayor ordered all devices covered by September 1 and recommended contract termination. Massachusetts communities including Abington, Ayer, Groton, and Southbridge have also discontinued or suspended their programs. Tennessee’s Hamilton County Sheriff paused 70 license plate readers, and several Florida counties including Jacksonville, Pasco, and Manatee have announced removal or elimination plans.
Governor Ron DeSantis characterized the camera proliferation as “out of control” and expressed concerns that the devices may capture more personal information than authorities acknowledge. Flock Safety countered that restricting the technology represents an inappropriate response, arguing that the cameras assist law enforcement in solving serious crimes, recovering stolen vehicles, and locating missing persons. According to the Institute for Justice, 144 local governments have canceled or declined to renew license plate reader contracts since 2025 began, demonstrating the dramatic shift in public and official sentiment toward the surveillance tools.
Originally reported by Mashable →
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