TALLAHASSEE, FL — Florida is moving to remove automated license plate reader cameras from state highway rights-of-way, citing concerns over misuse, data privacy and surveillance.
The Florida Department of Transportation issued a memorandum Monday, Aug. 31, revoking approvals previously granted to local law enforcement agencies for automated license plate recognition systems, commonly known as LPRs, within rights-of-way on the State Highway System.
Under the directive, local agencies have 30 days to remove affected cameras. If they are not removed within that timeframe, FDOT says the department will remove the remaining devices. Cameras determined to pose an immediate safety concern or create an unsafe condition may be removed sooner.
FDOT is also stopping approval of future requests to install LPR systems within areas under its jurisdiction.
The department cited the rapid increase in LPR deployments across Florida, along with “concerning reports of misuse, data privacy concerns, and surveillance schemes” as reasons for taking action.
The move comes amid growing local scrutiny of Flock cameras. Earlier this month, a Haines City police officer was arrested after investigators alleged he improperly searched his estranged wife’s vehicle 717 times through the Flock camera system over nearly two years.
A recent Eye In The Sky News poll also found significant opposition to the technology. Of 2,805 votes, 2,212 people, or 79%, said they did not favor law enforcement using Flock cameras in their community, while 593, or 21%, supported their use.
The FDOT directive applies specifically to LPR devices located within state highway rights-of-way and does not, by itself, order the removal of every license plate reader camera operating throughout Florida.
Our team has reached out to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office for comment on the FDOT directive. Sheriff Grady Judd has been a vocal supporter of Flock license plate reader technology and its use as a law enforcement tool. We will provide an update when additional information becomes available.
SOURCE: FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
