ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — The Orange County Sheriff’s Office says it will continue using automated license plate readers in locations where they remain permitted, even as several other Central Florida agencies pause or shut down their systems.
The sheriff’s office said Wednesday it will comply with the Florida Department of Transportation’s decision to revoke permits for license plate readers installed within state road rights-of-way.
“OCSO will comply with FDOT’s direction and will not use LPRs in locations where their use is no longer permitted,” the agency said. “However, OCSO plans to continue using LPR cameras in locations where their use is permitted.”
READ MORE: FDOT orders Flock cameras removed from state rights-of-way, halts new permits
FDOT announced Monday that it was revoking existing approvals for automated license plate readers within state rights-of-way and stopping approval of new installations. Agencies have 30 days to remove affected cameras.
Sheriff’s office points to crimes solved with LPRs
OCSO defended its continued use of the technology, saying license plate reader information has helped deputies identify and locate people suspected of violent crimes, including homicides and sexual assaults.
The agency also said the cameras have helped investigators locate missing and endangered people, including children, and recover stolen property.
The sheriff’s office said it maintains policies governing how the technology is used and that Sheriff John Mina has made clear that misuse will not be tolerated.
“Where permitted by law, LPR technology will continue to be used as an investigative resource to help solve crimes, locate vulnerable people, and keep Orange County safe,” the agency said.
More information about the sheriff’s office is available on the Orange County Sheriff’s Office website.
Other Central Florida agencies take different approach
OCSO’s decision differs from several other agencies that have gone beyond FDOT’s order and suspended their use of license plate reader networks altogether.
The Volusia County Sheriff’s Office shut down its LPR program, while the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office suspended its use of the Flock network. Police departments in Titusville and Altamonte Springs have also announced pauses amid concerns about privacy, data sharing and the lack of statewide standards.
FDOT’s action itself is not a statewide ban on license plate readers. It applies to systems located within state-controlled rights-of-way, leaving local agencies to decide whether they will continue using cameras in other permitted locations.
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