Florida Blocks Flock Cameras on State Highways Amid Privacy Concerns

Florida's Department of Transportation has ordered the removal of Flock cameras and other automated license plate readers from the state highway system within 30 days, citing concerning reports of misuse, data privacy concerns, and surveillance schemes.

Governor Ron DeSantis previewed the action last week, calling the license plate reading technology out of control. The decision follows similar action by Texas, which ordered state agencies to stop funding Flock cameras due to alleged abuse, including the indictment of a Texas police officer for unauthorized database searches. The move comes amid bipartisan concerns over privacy and civil liberties, fueled by reports of cybersecurity issues, police abusing access to databases for stalking, and accuracy problems leading to wrongful arrests.

Flock has approximately 130,000 license plate readers nationwide. Several towns have reported Flock reactivating cameras despite contract terminations. The Florida order does not impact cameras on local or county rights-of-way, though several counties, including Jacksonville and Franklin, announced they would disconnect their Flock systems in response to the memo. DeSantis suggested the technology captures more information than disclosed and could be used for very targeted immigration enforcement.

The Florida Department of Transportation is also halting future requests for license plate reader placements on state roadways. The decision comes as backlash surrounding Flock cameras grows, with other communities ending contracts.