FDOT revokes permits for Flock cameras on state land

Mark Schreiner contributed to this report.

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) issued a memorandum Monday revoking existing permits for automated license plate recognition (ALPR) systems, commonly referred to by the brand name “Flock cameras,” that are installed within the right of way of roads on the State Highway System.

The memo states, in part, that the decision was made because of the “recent exponential increase in deployments along our roadways, couple with concerning reports of misuse, data privacy concerns, and surveillance schemes [that] merit immediate action to preserve Floridians’ sovereignty and quality of life.”

It also says approval for such devices are considered “temporary by nature” and that local law enforcement agencies statewide have 30 days to remove these devices. Any remaining after that will be removed by FDOT.

Several law enforcement agencies across the state, including the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office, took to their social media platforms to inform their followers about the directive.

“In response, the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office will fully comply with FDOT’s timeline. Prior to this state directive, the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office had already proactively initiated the removal of Flock ALPR cameras previously located along county-maintained rights-of-way,” the Hernando County Sheriff’s wrote on its Facebook page.

A number of other Tampa Bay area municipalities and county sheriff’s offices have previously indicated plans to either remove cameras installed on their property or to reconsider contracts with companies like Flock, Axon and Motorola Solutions.

The post also said that this removal applies strictly to public right-of-way installations and does not affect privately owned and operated automatic license plate reader cameras located on commercial properties and private developments.

Gov. Ron DeSantis joined the long list of ALPR critics last week. Speaking at Florida International University Aug. 26, DeSantis said, while the cameras are useful tools for law enforcement agencies, he has concerns.

“I’m all about having law enforcement have tools to be able to hold criminals accountable. I think that’s important that we do that. And no one’s been stronger on law enforcement than me. But I don’t want to have this become a surveillance state.”

DeSantis also continued pushing for an artificial intelligence “Bill of Rights,” which failed to gain traction during both the 2026 regular legislative session and the special session that followed.

“It’s going to get a lot worse unless we have some protections for the people in Florida,” DeSantis said. “The only way it could be dealt with is legislatively.”

However, since the memo is essentially an executive order, the next Florida governor could allow ALPR’s to come back.

Daylina Miller and Mark Schreiner are reporters for WUSF, the bay area’s NPR affiliate.