Full Breakdown
Unpermitted License Plate Readers Discovered in St. Lucie County
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event – Unpermitted Cameras Identified
County staff in St. Lucie County, Florida, reported finding 13 license-plate-reader (LPR) cameras installed on public right-of-way without the required permits. The devices were located on state-controlled roads that municipalities were instructed to clear by a deadline set by the Florida Department of Transportation. County officials are working to determine the owners of the cameras.
Background & Context – State Deadline and Permit System
The Florida Department of Transportation recently required all municipalities to remove any unpermitted LPR equipment from state-maintained roadways. St. Lucie County maintains a separate inventory of permitted LPR units; staff provided a list showing 53 authorized cameras operating on county right-of-ways. The discovery of the 13 unpermitted units prompted an internal review and a request for information from the state agency.
Official Statements & Responses
Erick Gill, the county’s communications director, said the department is “trying to find that out” and emphasized that the county does not know who installed the cameras. County officials have not identified the parties responsible and are coordinating with the Florida Department of Transportation to address the compliance issue.
Data & Statistics
- Unpermitted LPR cameras: 13
- Permitted LPR cameras: 53
- Total LPR cameras on county right-of-ways (permitted + unpermitted): 66
Verbatim Quotes
- “I don't know why it's there,” — Ricky Mathura
- “We don't know who they belong to,” — Erick Gill, county communications director