Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has ordered the removal of all automated license plate reader cameras from state highways within 30 days, citing privacy concerns and warning against turning Florida into a surveillance state. The directive affects hundreds of cameras operated by Flock Safety and other companies across the state’s road network.

30-Day Deadline for Camera Removal

The Florida Department of Transportation issued a memorandum Monday revoking all existing approvals for automated license plate recognition systems installed by local agencies along State Highway System roads. Agencies must remove the devices within 30 days, or FDOT will remove them directly. The department also announced it will reject future requests to install license plate readers within state highway rights of way, marking a dramatic policy reversal.

The decision comes after an exponential increase in camera deployments raised concerns about misuse, data privacy, and government surveillance. DeSantis made clear his position during recent public comments, stating the situation has become out of control. While he supports giving law enforcement investigative tools, he emphasized Florida must not become a surveillance state and called for the Legislature to pass an artificial intelligence bill of rights.

Officers Caught Stalking Through Camera Network

Multiple Florida law enforcement officers face criminal charges for accessing license plate databases to track personal targets. A Haines City officer was arrested after searching Flock data for his estranged wife’s vehicle more than 700 times between September 2024 and June 2026. A former Sumter County detective was fired and charged after using Flock and other databases to gather information about her husband’s former wife. Privacy advocates warn the known cases likely represent only a fraction of improper searches.

Flock Safety CEO Garrett Langley has pushed back against outright bans, comparing them to banning vehicles entirely. The company announced mandatory implementation of its Audit Assistance system, which flags suspicious activity like repeated searches for the same plate or off-duty searches. Most searches will require a case code tied to an investigation by year’s end, and the default data retention period drops from 30 days to seven days.

Political Battle Lines Form

Florida Democratic Party Chair Nikki Fried criticized DeSantis and Republican leaders for allowing the technology to spread without sufficient safeguards. The debate will continue as lawmakers weigh law enforcement needs against privacy concerns. Law enforcement agencies have repeatedly credited the cameras with solving cases, locating stolen vehicles, and finding missing people, setting up a contentious legislative battle over the technology’s future in Florida.