The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has ordered the removal of automated license plate reader (ALPR) cameras from state highways within 30 days, following concerns raised by Gov. Ron DeSantis about privacy and potential misuse of the technology.
The directive, issued via a memo from FDOT Chief Operating Officer Will Watts, revoked all previously approved permits for ALPRs on state rights-of-way. The order cited a recent exponential increase in deployments, data privacy concerns, and reports of misuse as key reasons for the reversal. DeSantis had previewed the action during an appearance on The Real America’s Voice podcast, stating that while the cameras are marketed as capturing only license plates, he doubted their actual scope of surveillance.
Immediate Impact and Compliance
Local law enforcement agencies across Northeast Florida have begun removing the cameras in response to the FDOT order. Among the agencies confirming compliance are the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, which announced it would discontinue ALPR use effective immediately throughout Duval County, despite previously calling the technology an "enormously valuable investigative tool." Other counties, including Franklin, Walton, Okaloosa, Liberty, Putnam, and Calhoun, have also indicated they will disconnect their systems.
However, the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office has not publicly stated its plans regarding the removal of its ALPR cameras. The sheriff’s office did not respond to requests for comment.
Rationale Behind the Decision
The FDOT memo framed the order as a measure to "preserve Floridians’ sovereignty and quality of life," emphasizing concerns over the rapid expansion of surveillance technology. DeSantis echoed these sentiments, questioning whether the cameras might be capturing more than just license plate data. He stated, "These cameras that are out there now — who’s to say they’re only doing the license plate? I think it’s capturing people in their cars."
The order does not apply to cameras installed on private property or local, non-state rights-of-way, where the majority of Florida’s approximately 8,000 ALPRs are currently deployed. DeSantis noted that 98% of surveillance cameras operate outside state-controlled areas.
Support and Criticism of the Move
Privacy advocates have largely praised the decision. Rindala "Rin" Alajaji, Associate Director of State Affairs at the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), called the revocation of permits a "great step to restrain some of the harms of LPRs." She argued that while ALPRs are promoted as tools for solving crimes—such as locating missing children or stolen vehicles—warrant requirements should apply when searching the database for criminal investigations.
Alajaji stated, "If there’s a crime associated with the search, there should be a warrant required to search the database. A judge looking saying you can look this license plate up."
The Florida Sheriffs Association has not yet responded to requests for comment on the FDOT order or potential legislative solutions to balance public safety with civil liberties.
Background on ALPR Technology
Automated license plate readers have been in use since the 1970s, but advancements in hardware and software have led to a sharp increase in their deployment in recent years. Companies like Flock Safety have become prominent providers of these systems, which are now a subject of national debate over surveillance and privacy.
The FDOT’s decision marks a significant shift in Florida’s approach to ALPR technology, reflecting broader concerns about the balance between law enforcement capabilities and individual privacy rights.