Florida blocks Flock cams on state highways

image via The Verge

September 1, 2026, 1:17 PM

• •Florida's Department of Transportation revoked permits for automated license plate readers on state highways.
• •Existing Flock cameras and other plate readers must be removed from state highways within 30 days.
• •The DOT cited rapid growth in deployments, reports of misuse, privacy concerns, and surveillance worries.
• •Florida is also stopping future requests to place license plate readers on state roadways.
• •The move follows criticism from Governor Ron DeSantis and similar pushback in Texas and several local communities.

Florida's Department of Transportation has ordered Flock cameras and other automated license plate readers removed from state highways within 30 days. The agency said it revoked permits because of a sharp rise in deployments along with reports of misuse, privacy concerns, and surveillance risks. Florida is also pausing future requests to install license plate readers on state roadways. The decision follows recent criticism from Governor Ron DeSantis and broader backlash against Flock camera programs in Texas and several local communities.

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