Florida Orders Removal of Automated License Plate Readers From State Highways

Industry Pulse News Desk · 2026-08-31

The Florida Department of Transportation revoked permits for roadside cameras, prompting local law enforcement agencies to shut down license plate reader networks.

The Florida Department of Transportation has revoked permits for automated license plate readers on the state highway system, ordering the removal of all installed devices within 30 days. The directive primarily impacts roadside surveillance technology manufactured by Flock Safety and utilized by law enforcement agencies statewide.

Following the state memo issued Monday, several local law enforcement agencies announced plans to decommission their camera networks. The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office confirmed it will end the use of license plate readers across Duval County, while sheriff's offices in Franklin, Liberty, and Putnam counties also stated they are discontinuing the technology.

Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters said in a statement that while the technology previously assisted officers in solving crimes and locating missing individuals, stopping its use was appropriate given the state’s directive and resident concerns regarding data privacy.

Automated license plate readers capture and store vehicle data along roadways to assist police investigations. However, the systems have drawn increasing opposition from residents and privacy advocates over data security, potential misuse, and reported instances where misread license plates led to wrongful arrests.

Florida's decision reflects a growing national trend of municipalities reassessing automated surveillance agreements. Authorities in Tempe, Arizona, recently voted to shut down their camera network, while the Los Angeles Police Department allowed its vendor contract to expire earlier this year.