The Florida Department of Transportation has ordered law enforcement agencies across the state to remove automatic license plate reader cameras from state roads within 30 days.
The announcement comes as discussions at the state and local level regarding these cameras have intensified.
Automatic license plate readers, commonly known as ALPRs, are camera systems that automatically capture and store license plate information. Flock cameras are a brand of ALPRs. Supporters say the technology helps solve crimes and locate missing people, while critics argue it raises privacy and surveillance concerns.
In a statement provided Monday, Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters said the agency will not only comply with the state’s directive but also remove the technology countywide.
“Given the decision made at the state level and the concerns expressed by members of our community, I have determined that discontinuing the use of this technology is the appropriate course of action at this time,” Waters said.
The announcement follows a public meeting held Friday by Jacksonville City Council member Jimmy Peluso, who gathered feedback from residents both for and against the use of the cameras.
Peluso says he applauds the decision, saying some community members voiced concerns during the meeting about privacy and data collection.
“I think for everyone who questions the constitutionality of these devices who are concerned about the misuse of surveillance in our state and who are, you know just kind of concerned about this third party that is you know able to kinda take our data and do Lord knows what with it. I think it’s a huge win,” Peluso said.
Despite the removal of the cameras, Sheriff Waters says he and his department remain committed to “providing the highest level of public safety services to the people of Jacksonville.”
“I can’t always promise the sheriff and I agree on everything, but we do agree on obviously on this measure, which is quite nice. I think he recognized that his base of support was feeling a certain kind of way,” Peluso said.
In addition to requiring the removal of existing cameras from state rights of way, FDOT said it will stop issuing new permits or approving new requests for the devices effective immediately.