WINTER SPRINGS, Fla. – Flock license plate-reading cameras are drawing renewed attention in Central Florida, where some private homeowners associations have installed the technology at neighborhood entrances.
The cameras automatically capture license plates and other vehicle information as cars enter and leave communities. While the technology has been adopted by law enforcement agencies across the country, some private communities are now using the cameras as well.
David Moss, a resident of Winter Springs’ Parkstone subdivision, recently discovered a Flock camera attached to the gatehouse at the entrance to his neighborhood.
Moss said residents have questions about why the private community is paying for the cameras and what happens to the information they collect.
“The biggest thing is why are we paying, why is a private community paying for this. Where is the data going. Who has access to the data,” Moss said.
Moss said some residents are particularly concerned that the cameras could reveal when homeowners are away from their residences.
“The community overall is concerned that someone, somewhere knows when a homeowner is at or not at their residence,” he said.
News 6 also found Flock cameras at other private HOA communities in Central Florida, including neighborhoods in Orange County.
Not all residents are opposed to the technology.
One homeowner said the cameras are visible at the neighborhood entrance and that their presence does not bother her.
Flock markets its license plate readers to homeowners associations, touting their ability to deter crime. The company’s website also states that an HOA owns the footage and data collected by its cameras.
News 6 requested an interview with Flock about its services for HOAs but was told no one was available.
Attorney David Haenel said homeowners associations generally must follow their governing documents when making decisions about installing and paying for equipment such as Flock cameras.
Haenel said an HOA would typically place the issue on the agenda for an association meeting before moving forward.
For homeowners who want a camera removed, Haenel said they can ask the HOA board to put the issue on the agenda for a future meeting.
Moss and other Parkstone residents have started a petition asking their HOA to remove the license plate readers.
“I think they should come down,” Moss said.
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Copyright 2026 by WKMG ClickOrlando – All rights reserved.