The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) issued a statewide directive on August 31, 2026, revoking all active permits for automated license plate reader (ALPR) systems—including cameras operated by popular vendor Flock Safety—on state highway rights-of-way.
Key Details of the FDOT Order
- 30-Day Takedown Deadline: Local law enforcement agencies and municipalities have 30 days—until September 30, 2026—to remove all LPR hardware installed on state highway rights-of-way.
- State Enforcement: If local agencies do not remove the cameras within the 30-day window, FDOT crews will dismantle and remove the equipment themselves. FDOT also reserves the right to immediately remove any unit deemed a safety risk.
- Permit Moratorium: FDOT has revoked existing permits and placed an immediate freeze on issuing new permits for license plate reader technology across state-controlled roadways.
Why the Sudden Crackdown?
The decision follows growing public pushback, privacy concerns, and explicit direction from Governor Ron DeSantis:
- Privacy & Surveillance Concerns: FDOT cited a rapid, unchecked expansion of LPR networks, coupled with “concerning reports of misuse, data privacy concerns, and surveillance schemes”.
- Protecting Sovereign Rights: State officials framed the crackdown as a measure to protect residents’ quality of life and constitutional privacy rights against unwarranted mass surveillance.
Local Reaction & Fallout
- Local Agency Compliance: Several law enforcement agencies—including the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and county agencies across Florida (such as Clay and Putnam counties)—began pulling back or discontinuing their LPR operations on state rights-of-way immediately following the memo.
- Local vs. State Roads: The FDOT order specifically targets state highway rights-of-way. However, it comes alongside a broader trend of Florida cities and counties (such as Pasco and Walton counties) independently voting to strip Flock cameras from local county roads as well.
- Law Enforcement Pushback: While bowing to the mandate, some law enforcement officials have voiced frustration, maintaining that Flock systems have been critical tools for tracking stolen vehicles, locating missing persons, and solving serious crimes.
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