{"id":386561,"date":"2026-08-31T22:48:08","date_gmt":"2026-08-31T22:48:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/386561\/"},"modified":"2026-08-31T22:48:08","modified_gmt":"2026-08-31T22:48:08","slug":"fdot-orders-removal-of-flock-cameras-along-florida-highways","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/386561\/","title":{"rendered":"FDOT orders removal of Flock cameras along Florida highways"},"content":{"rendered":"

TAMPA, Fla. \u2014 The Florida Department of Transportation is revoking its permits for all license plate readers positioned on state roads. This includes Flock cameras, which have become divisive throughout the state and across the country.<\/p>\n

According to an FDOT memo, FDOT says \u201cExponential increase in deployments coupled with concerning reports of misuse, data privacy concerns and surveillance schemes,\u201d require their immediate action. Within 30 days, all license plate readers, like Flock cameras, on state roads must be gone.<\/p>\n

This move comes after widespread criticism of the program from all corners of the country. In the Tampa Bay area, at least two police officers, one in Haines City and another in Sarasota, have been fired and arrested for allegedly misusing the cameras to stalk romantic interests.<\/p>\n

Some agencies have already removed their cameras based on backlash from the community. Like in Pasco County, where Sheriff Chris Nocco, who is running for Florida Senate, said in a statement, \u201cThe value of the technology does not override the importance of public trust.\u201d The plan was to switch from Flock to another provider, but he\u2019s decided his department is done with this surveillance, for now.<\/p>\n

Late last week, on Eric Bolling\u2019s podcast, Gov. Ron DeSantis indicated this was coming, saying he wants to go a step further with an AI Bill of Rights.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Flock in Florida, 98% are local. But where our agencies that had a few of them are bringing them down. We\u2019re going to clear state right of ways,\u201d said DeSantis.<\/p>\n

FDOT, in its memo, says approvals for other license plate readers are officially revoked. That means any other law enforcement agency that wants cameras on state roads will be denied. Any with cameras currently on state roads has to pull them or risk having FDOT do it for them.<\/p>\n

Read FDOT\u2019s statement:<\/p>\n

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