Uploaded September 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
Florida is getting rid of permits for Flock cameras and similar license-plate reading technology on state roads, according to a memorandum from the Florida Department of Transportation.
FDOT Assistant Secretary Will Watts gave agencies 30 days to remove the cameras from state roads, or FDOT will do it itself. FDOT also says that all previously approved LPR-related permits are being revoked immediately.
Additionally, FDOT says it will no longer approve future requests for license plate reader systems within its jurisdiction.
Flock cameras have garnered a lot of attention recently due to their controversial tactics. The cameras photograph every vehicle in their path, marking down its license plate number, make and model of the car, and even markings such as scratches and dents.
Last week, Governor Ron DeSantis said that the cameras were "out of control," saying that the technology has become too invasive, and that an overhaul was needed.
“I'm all about having law enforcement have tools to be able to hold criminals accountable," he said. "But I don't want to have this become a surveillance state."
The governor has pointed to cases where officers were accused of using license plate reader systems to track people for personal reasons.
Just last week, a Kentucky officer was arrested after investigators say he used Flock cameras more than two thousand times to monitor his ex-girlfriend.
Still, law enforcement agencies across the state continue to defend the technology.
In a statement to CBS12 News, Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw says there should be “safeguards” – but calls LPRs “indispensable” for crime fighting.
READ MORE: 13wham.com/news/nation-world/florida-ends-permits-for-flock-cameras-on-state-roads-halting-future-approvals-florida-news-florida-flock-cameras-matthew-waggle-secuiry-privacy-lpr-fdot
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Florida is getting rid of permits for Flock cameras and similar license-plate reading technology on state roads, according to a memorandum from the Florida Department of Transportation.
FDOT Assistant Secretary Will Watts gave agencies 30 days to remove the cameras from state roads, or FDOT will do it itself. FDOT also says that all previously approved LPR-related permits are being revoked immediately.
Additionally, FDOT says it will no longer approve future requests for license plate reader systems within its jurisdiction.
Flock cameras have garnered a lot of attention recently due to their controversial tactics. The cameras photograph every vehicle in their path, marking down its license plate number, make and model of the car, and even markings such as scratches and dents.
Last week, Governor Ron DeSantis said that the cameras were "out of control," saying that the technology has become too invasive, and that an overhaul was needed.
“I'm all about having law enforcement have tools to be able to hold criminals accountable," he said. "But I don't want to have this become a surveillance state."
The governor has pointed to cases where officers were accused of using license plate reader systems to track people for personal reasons.
Just last week, a Kentucky officer was arrested after investigators say he used Flock cameras more than two thousand times to monitor his ex-girlfriend.
Still, law enforcement agencies across the state continue to defend the technology.
In a statement to CBS12 News, Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw says there should be “safeguards” – but calls LPRs “indispensable” for crime fighting.
READ MORE: 13wham.com/news/nation-world/florida-ends-permits-for-flock-cameras-on-state-roads-halting-future-approvals-florida-news-florida-flock-cameras-matthew-waggle-secuiry-privacy-lpr-fdot
_______________
Stay up to date with our social media:
13 WHAM on Facebook: facebook.com/13WHAM
13 WHAM on Twitter: twitter.com/13WHAM
13WHAM on Instagram: instagram.com/13whamtv/?hl=en
13WHAM on TikTok: tiktok.com/@13wham?lang=en
13 WHAM Daily Local News Digest: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLuTJB6tta5ar3Fu5CumAvlvVunEP6bc9A
For more information, visit 13wham.com
Have a news tip? Send it directly to us:
Email us: news@13wham.com
Call the Newsroom: (585) 334-8700
WHAM is a NY based station and a ABC Television affiliate owned and operated by Deerfield Media, Inc and receives certain services from an affiliation of Sinclair Broadcast Group. Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. is one of the largest and most diversified television broadcasting companies in the country today.
#13WHAM #News #Rochester #NewYork
