ORLANDO, Fla. — The Florida Department of Transportation is revoking permits for automated license plate-reading cameras installed by local law enforcement agencies along state roads, citing concerns about misuse, privacy and surveillance.
In a memorandum issued Monday, FDOT said all existing approvals for license plate recognition systems in state rights-of-way are revoked.
Agencies that currently have the cameras installed will have 30 days to remove them. FDOT said it will remove any devices that remain after that deadline.
RELATED: Oviedo officials set to grill Flock Safety reps during Monday meeting
The department is also immediately stopping approval of all future requests to install license plate readers within its jurisdiction.
FDOT said the rapid growth of the technology, combined with “concerning reports of misuse, data privacy concerns, and surveillance schemes,” prompted the action.
The memo comes amid growing scrutiny of automated license plate readers, including systems operated by companies such as Flock Safety.
The cameras allow law enforcement agencies to capture and search license plate information as vehicles travel through an area. Police departments have defended the technology as a tool for solving crimes, while critics have raised concerns about how the information is stored, shared and accessed.
The announcement also comes as the Oviedo City Council is preparing to question Flock Safety representatives about the city’s use of license plate-reading cameras and how other agencies can access information collected by them.
FDOT said nothing in the new policy prevents the department from immediately removing an individual camera if it creates an unsafe condition.
Jacksonville sheriff ends LPR use countywide
Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters shared this statement regarding license plate readers:
— Jax Sheriff's Office (@JSOPIO) August 31, 2026
"As the elected Sheriff of Duval County, it is my responsibility to listen to the concerns of our citizens and act accordingly.
Today, the Florida Department of Transportation announced the…
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office said Monday it will comply with FDOT’s directive and is also discontinuing the use of license plate reader technology throughout Duval County effective immediately.
Sheriff T.K. Waters said the technology has been a valuable investigative tool used to help solve serious crimes and locate missing and vulnerable people.
But Waters said that, given the state’s decision and concerns raised by the community, ending the technology’s use was the appropriate step.
Volusia sheriff shuts down license plate readers immediately
Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood said Monday his agency is shutting down its license plate readers effective immediately.
Chitwood said the technology has helped deputies solve violent crimes, find missing people and recover stolen property, but said recent action from Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Florida Department of Transportation has made continued use of the systems unworkable.
He also acknowledged what he called legitimate concerns about privacy, technology and data sharing.
Chitwood said the agency will not resume use unless lawmakers provide clearer statewide rules governing the technology.
“The LPR has been an incredible tool for public safety,” Chitwood said. “But until we have clarity, guidance and a legal framework from the Florida Legislature regarding this technology, it’s no longer a tool we can use.”
That gives your story a much better Central Florida angle: Volusia County is not just removing cameras from state rights-of-way — the sheriff is shutting down LPR use countywide.
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