SWFL.io - Local NewsMuhammad Abdul Qawee
•9/4/2026
License plate readers are being removed from state roads in Collier County following a Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) directive issued earlier this week in response to privacy concerns and public backlash. Earlier this year, the state approved $1.2 million to fund 50 new license plate readers in Collier County. However, FDOT’s recent memorandum requires law enforcement to remove the devices from state roads, including US-41. Jose Gonzalez, a Naples resident, voiced his opposition to the technology. "I hope they don't add any more," Gonzalez said. Alex Geiser, another Naples resident, shared his thoughts, referencing concerns about privacy. "I mean, I understand it. I saw the movie Batman and how he was looking for all the bad guys and invading everybody's privacy," Geiser said. Naples police stated they still plan to use the technology but will comply with FDOT's decision. Meanwhile, the Marco Island Police Department, which has had license plate readers for five years, reviewed the memorandum with the city attorney and determined it does not apply to their cameras, as they are located on city roads. "We've had the cameras for about five years now, and within those five years, we've never had an experience where someone has been misusing the cameras," said Christian Davies, Marco Island police public information officer. The Collier County Sheriff's Office said it will comply with the FDOT request but has not clarified how it plans to use the technology moving forward. It is currently unclear whether the 50 new cameras funded earlier this year have been installed or are still pending installation. Further updates are expected once the sheriff's office provides additional information. 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.