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FDOT Orders Removal of Flock License-Plate Readers from State Roads
By Drooid · · How we work
FDOT Order Mandates Removal of Flock Cameras
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) revoked all permits for Flock-style license-plate reader (LPR) cameras on state-owned right-of-way and gave agencies a 30-day window to take them down. The deadline fell on a Wednesday in late September, and the order was issued at the end of August after Governor Ron DeSantis called the devices “out of control.” FDOT cited concerns about potential misuse, data-privacy risks, and the possibility of broad surveillance.
Agencies’ Compliance Efforts
Law-enforcement agencies across the state reported varying levels of progress. The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office covered its units while awaiting removal. Clay County Sheriff Michelle Cook said roughly 95 % of its cameras had been taken down, with the remainder slated for removal. Seminole County removed all of its Flock cameras and associated solar panels, though some poles remain. Osceola County reported that all 35 of its cameras were removed two weeks earlier, after canceling its contract with Flock earlier. Orange, Volusia, Marion, Lake and Sumter counties each confirmed either removal, deactivation, or suspension of their LPR systems. Sumter County had already suspended and canceled its use of license-plate readers on July 23 after discovering employee misuse.
Official Statements & Responses
FDOT officials emphasized that the directive targets only cameras on state highways and state-owned land; toll-lane readers are exempt because they serve a different traffic-management function. Sheriff T.K. Waters of Jacksonville clarified that his department is covering, not labeling, the devices as “Flock cameras.” Clay County Sheriff Cook argued that law-enforcement must adapt to sophisticated criminal tactics, noting that some public concerns are “manufactured.”
Verbatim Quotes
- “I understand that people have concerns. I also believe that some concerns are being manufactured,” — County Sheriff Michelle Cook — County Sheriff Michelle Cook