Flock Cameras To Be Removed From FL Highways

The Florida Department of Transportation has ordered the removal of automated license plate readers, including Flock cameras, from state highways within 30 days, amid growing concerns about privacy, surveillance, and the potential misuse of the technology, according to multiple reports.

The FDOT issued a memorandum on Monday revoking existing permits for automated license plate recognition systems installed within the right-of-way of roads on the state highway system, WTSP said.

The agencies operating the cameras must remove them by Sept. 30.

Cameras still in place after that deadline will be removed by FDOT, WUSF reported.

The department will also no longer approve permits for new license plate readers on state roads, Bay News 9 said.

FDOT cited a rapid increase in the number of automated license plate readers, along with reports of misuse, data-privacy concerns and surveillance, according to the memo obtained by news outlets.

The order doesn’t amount to a statewide ban on every Flock camera in Florida, as the order specifically targets only state-maintained roads, WESH said.

Cameras installed on roads controlled by cities or counties, as well as privately operated systems, are not automatically affected.

Flock cameras are automated license plate readers that capture images of passing vehicles, and can record information such as license plate numbers, vehicle characteristics, and the time and location a vehicle was seen.

Law enforcement agencies use the systems to assist with criminal investigations and locate stolen vehicles and missing people.

The technology has faced increasing scrutiny in Florida.

Gov. Ron DeSantis said last week that he had concerns about the proliferation of the cameras and the possibility of creating what he described as a surveillance state. He then directed a review of the technology's use in Florida, the Miami Herald said.

The issue also has been taken up at county and municipal levels across the state.

Leaders in Duval, Putnam, Pasco and Hernando counties have ordered the removal of license plate-reader technology.

In Manatee County, commissioners recently voted unanimously to prohibit Flock cameras in county parks, facilities and buildings, Fox 13 said.

And St. Petersburg City Council recently began discussing the city’s Flock contract and how the cameras are being used after residents and privacy advocates raised concerns, Bay News 9 reported. Council member Richie Floyd is pushing for a closer examination of the city's contract and use of the technology.