Florida halfway through 30-day clock to remove license plate readers after DeSantis crackdown

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WINK) — Florida is at the halfway mark of a 30-day countdown to remove automated license plate readers from state highways following a crackdown by Gov. Ron DeSantis.

The conversation surrounding automated license plate readers (ALPRs)—commonly operated by technology companies like Flock Safety—shifted dramatically after DeSantis spoke out against the rapid expansion of the surveillance tools during an address at Florida International University last month.

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Calling the proliferation of the cameras "out of control," DeSantis voiced strong concerns over data privacy, surveillance overreach, and the potential for misuse.

"I think people are right to be concerned and I think you’ve got to have protections for people," DeSantis said. "Go after criminals, great, let's all do that. But surveilling just regular Floridians’ movements and how that data is used—that’s a bird of a different feather."

Following the governor's comments, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) issued a directive revoking all existing permits for license plate readers installed on state highway rights-of-way. Local law enforcement agencies were given a 30-day deadline to remove the equipment from state roads. Two weeks into that timeline, agencies across the state are actively taking down the devices.

The move has drawn pushback from technology vendors and law enforcement agencies who rely on the network to track suspects. Flock Safety defended its technology, stating that it advocates for sensible laws and safeguards that protect public privacy while providing police with vital operational tools.

Supporters of the cameras point to numerous real-world cases across Florida where ALPR networks have proven effective—helping officers locate missing children during Amber Alerts, recover stolen vehicles, and rapidly apprehend violent crime suspects.

The devices have also been misused by law enforcement in Florida and many states across the country.

Despite those successes, state officials maintain that law enforcement tools must remain targeted at criminals rather than building detailed dossiers on everyday citizens' daily travel patterns. Local agencies have until the end of the month to clear the devices from state-maintained roadways.