Daniel Mercer
A significant development in Florida regarding Flock cameras may signal broader changes across the state, as law enforcement appears to be responding to this situation with a potential shift in policy.
Imagine you are an outspoken critic of Flock cameras, which is a common stance among readers of this site. If I told you that Florida’s Department of Transportation is advocating for the removal of license plate-reading cameras statewide, would that news bring you some relief?
The conversation surrounding this issue is already buzzing on social media:
🚨 JUST IN: Gov. Ron DeSantis’ FDOT is hereby TAKING DOWN Flock cameras statewide over privacy concerns in state rights-of-way
All existing permits for automated license plate readers, even installed by local law enforcement, in state highway rights-of-way — are REVOKED
FDOT is… pic.twitter.com/H631aHoJhy
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) August 31, 2026
The directive issued is merely a one-page memo, akin to an executive order, but it has been signed not by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, rather by FDOT Assistant Secretary Will Watts. While Florida news outlets like the Orlando Sentinel report that cameras are being ordered removed “on state roads,” the memo’s specific language suggests a more limited scope: it refers to cameras “within the right of way of a road on the State Highway System.” Notably, it does not address cameras installed by local police or those situated on private property.
Regardless of its limitations, the memo carries significant weight. To “preserve the sovereignty and quality of life for Floridians,” the FDOT mandates that agencies remove Flock and other license plate reading cameras within 30 days, or the FDOT will take action to remove them. any agency attempting to argue “but I have a permit!” will find that the memo categorizes active permits for camera placements as temporary and “hereby revoked.” This is a clear statement of intent.
This memo is notably more assertive than previous comments from Governor DeSantis, who stated, “I think this, the, these, these cameras, the license plate readers, I think it’s out of control,” during a recent speech at Florida International University. He also mentioned that legislative approval would be necessary to eliminate LPRs.
According to a report from local news station WKMG-TV, the implications of this memo could extend further than expected. Sheriff T.K. Waters of Jacksonville has indicated he plans to adhere to the spirit of this directive, even though he is not obligated to do so. He acknowledged that LPRs are “an enormously valuable investigative tool,” but given the state-level decision and community concerns, he believes that discontinuing the use of this technology is the right course of action at this moment.
Recently, a police officer in Kentucky was arrested for allegedly misusing Flock cameras to monitor an ex-girlfriend. This incident is just one of many concerning stories highlighting potential abuses of this advanced surveillance technology by law enforcement.
Florida Representative Greg Steube, a Republican, expressed his concerns on Fox News last week, stating, “There’s cameras everywhere, people know that, but if law enforcement has the ability to monitor the comings and goings of citizens, I think that’s wrong. I mean, we’re not the CCP, we’re not 1984 and an Orwellian society, and Americans have rights.”
The memo cites “concerning reports of misuse, data privacy concerns, and surveillance schemes” as justifications for the need for “immediate action.”
Despite the memo’s implications, it remains just one directive in Florida, and the passage of comprehensive legislation on this issue may still be a long way off.
Gizmodo reached out to Flock for their perspective on this matter. Shortly after our inquiry, we received the following statement from Flock spokesperson Paris Lewbel:
“Flock’s technology is an important public safety tool for law enforcement agencies across Florida, helping officers solve serious crimes, find missing people, recover stolen vehicles, and support safer communities.
In just the last few weeks in Florida, the technology was used to find missing children, led to the arrest of a murder suspect and assisted in solving numerous other crimes.
Rather than banning a critical public safety tool, we support thoughtful legislation and strong privacy, transparency, and accountability guardrails that ensure technology is used responsibly while preserving law enforcement’s ability to use effective tools to keep people safe.”
Ethan Carter
