By HENRY FREDERICK / Headline Surfer
ORLANDO, Fla. -- Florida has partially banned Flock cameras, ordering their immediate removal from all state highway rights-of-way. The directive, issued on August 31, 2026, revokes current permits and blocks future installations on state-managed roads.
Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT)
is following directives from Governor Ron DeSantis
. The mandate applies exclusively to the State Highway System. Local law enforcement agencies have 30 days to remove automated license plate readers (ALPRs) from state highway rights-of-way, or the state will remove them manually.
The state-level ban does not automatically apply to city roads, county roads, or private property.
Though the state's directive strictly target highways, it has triggered a massive domino effect among local jurisdictions fearing privacy invasions and data tracking.
Jacksonville Sheriff's Office
and Pasco County Sheriff's Office
have ordered a total, immediate discontinuation of all ALPR use countywide.
State leaders noted that the AI-powered cameras primarily log the travel history of regular citizens who are not suspected of any crimes.
The order followed multiple high-profile scandals, including Florida police officers being arrested for using Flock Safety
software illegally to stalk and track ex-partners.