The Florida Department of Transportation has ordered the removal of automated license plate readers from state highways due to community concerns.
The Florida Department of Transportation has announced the revocation of permits for automated license plate readers (ALPRs) from the state highway system, as detailed in a memo released on Monday.
The agency has instructed that these devices must be removed within a 30-day period following the memo. This decision adds to the growing backlash against Flock Safety, the supplier of these cameras, which have proliferated in various towns across the United States. Typically installed along roads or at intersections, these cameras are designed to capture and retain license plate information, assisting law enforcement in investigations.
In light of the Florida Department of Transportation’s recent decision, the Jacksonville sheriff has announced an end to the use of license plate readers within Duval County, taking into account not only this directive but also the concerns expressed by residents.
“LPR technology has proven to be an enormously valuable investigative tool, assisting our agency in solving serious crimes and locating missing and vulnerable individuals,” said Sheriff T.K. Waters in a statement. “However, given the decision made at the state level and the concerns expressed by members of our community, I have determined that discontinuing the use of this technology is the appropriate course of action at this time.”
Following the state’s lead, several sheriff’s offices across Florida, including those in Franklin County, Liberty County, and Putnam County, have also decided to cease using Flock cameras.
This trend reflects a larger movement, as jurisdictions nationwide have started breaking ties with Flock. Just last week, Tempe, Arizona, announced plans to dismantle its network of 33 Flock cameras, citing misuse risks and the necessity of maintaining community trust. The Los Angeles Police Department also let its contract with Flock lapse in July.
An investigation highlighted by multiple sources, including reports published in March, revealed various incidents where Flock cameras misidentified license plates or failed to substantiate alerts, resulting in wrongful stops of individuals who had not committed any crime. Additionally, reports in July indicated that Flock cameras in Roseville, California, misread license plates in 71% of alerts forwarded to police over the course of 2023 and 2024.
Flock has yet to respond to requests for comment regarding these developments.
