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Florida bans Flock and other license plate readers from state highways
NBC News • • nation
Key Points:
- Florida’s Department of Transportation revoked local police authority to install license plate readers (LPRs) on state highways, citing concerns over misuse, data privacy, and surveillance practices.
- The decision follows Governor Ron DeSantis’s directive to remove surveillance cameras from state rights-of-way, reflecting growing backlash against companies like Flock Safety that provide LPR technology.
- Similar actions are occurring nationwide, with Texas halting state funding for Flock cameras and over 100 local governments canceling or not renewing LPR contracts due to constitutional and privacy concerns.
- Some Florida localities, including Jacksonville, are discontinuing LPR use despite acknowledging its investigative value, while Flock Safety defends the technology as vital for public safety and calls for regulated, responsible use.
- Privacy concerns have led Flock Safety to reduce data retention periods and enhance monitoring of suspicious user activity, following incidents such as a Kentucky officer’s arrest for misuse of the system to stalk an ex-girlfriend.
