James Curtis
•9/1/2026
The Florida Department of Transportation has banned Flock cameras and other automated license plate readers on state highways on Monday by revoking all previously issued permits. The memo from FDOT comes as a nationwide backlash against Flock Safety and other surveillance camera brands continues to grow. According to FDOT's news release, FDOT revoked all LPR-related approvals issued to law enforcement agencies, and agencies must remove devices from the right-of-way on state roads within 30 days. If the devices are not removed, the department will remove the remaining devices subject to the memorandum. If an LPR device is a safety concern or causes an unsafe condition, FDOT said it can remove the reader. In addition, FDOT said it will use its authority to stop issuing permits in future requests for LPR systems. FDOT said in the release that the increase in LPR use along Florida roads, as well as reports of misuse, data privacy concerns and surveillance, led to action that is meant "to preserve Floridians' sovereignty and quality of life." The Lee County Sheriff's Office, which uses a number of license plate reader cameras, said it is reviewing the state's order on LPR use. The Fort Myers Police Department said, "We do not use, own or operate any Flock cameras," and "We are aware of the memo, and we are looking into it." However, the order applies to all license plate readers and not just Flock, which is just one of many brands. The Marco Island Police Department shared the following statement: "The Marco Island Police Department is aware of the memorandum issued today by the Florida Department of Transportation regarding automated license plate readers on the state highway system. "We are currently reviewing the memorandum and determining whether any ALPR equipment used by MIPD is located within FDOT right of way, including along the state-maintained portion of State Road 951. We are also verifying the permit status of any applicable equipment. "MIPD will comply with all applicable FDOT directives." The Clewiston Police Department also shared a statement as follows: "Clewiston Police Department does not have any ALPRS. All the ALPRS located within city limits are maintained by the Hendry County Sheriff’s Office." Gulf Coast News has reached out to other law enforcement agencies for comment on the order. Elsewhere in the state, Brevard, Clay, Franklin, Holmes, Leon, Liberty, Nassau, Okaloosa, Pasco, Putnam, Seminole, Volusia, and Wakulla counties and the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office have posted on social media that they are discontinuing LPR use. Florida is not the only state. Last week, Texas Republican Gov. Greg Abbott ordered the state to stop funding Flock cameras, according to The Texas Tribune, and the topic has come up during midterm election campaigns. Count on Gulf Coast News to keep you updated. DOWNLOAD the free Gulf Coast News app for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment, and more on your phone or tablet. And check out the Very Local Gulf Coast app to stream news, entertainment and original programming on your TV.
