Florida’s Department of Transportation (FDOT) recently issued a statewide ban on automated license plate recognition (LPR) systems, including Flock Safety Cameras, on state roadways.
“While Florida law limits the issuance of permits for LPR systems to law enforcement agencies, the recent exponential increase in deployments along our roadways, coupled with concerning reports of misuse, data privacy concerns, and surveillance schemes merit immediate action to preserve Floridians’ sovereignty and quality of life,” FDOT Chief Operating Officer Will Watts wrote in a one-page memo.
As part of the effort, FDOT affirmed that any approvals for LPR systems granted to local law enforcement agencies are revoked.
The agencies have until Sept. 30, 2026, to remove the Flock equipment from state roads before the Department removes the systems themselves.
The memo also asserted that agencies cannot request LPR systems and that their requests will no longer be fulfilled.
Back-To-Back Reports of Misuse in Florida
FDOT’s measure comes amid reports of LPR misuse within local law enforcement agencies across the U.S., including Florida.
Brevard County Sheriff’s Deputy Michael Fultz recently resigned from his post after an internal probe revealed “egregious misconduct.”
The “2025 Deputy of the Year” was found to be using LPR systems to search for his ex-girlfriend’s license plate. Additionally, images showing the officer performing a Nazi salute, and an image of a firearm during a sex act were found in the investigation.
Local law enforcement in Sarasota and Haines City also revealed recent reports of officers using the Flock Safety system to stalk individuals.
Sheriff's Offices Respond to Memo
According to recent reports, roughly 100 local law enforcement agencies in Florida use the LPR systems.
Of those 100, several sheriff’s departments, like those in Franklin, Liberty, and Punam counties, announced the end of their LPR programs in response to the FDOT memo.
DeSantis' Push Back Against Flock Misuse
The FDOT’s effort also comes a few days after Gov. Ron DeSantis expressed concern over the abuse of the LPR systems in the state.
“When I see like a police officer using this track like an ex-girlfriend, I’m like what the hell’s going on with this,” DeSantis said.
