Florida is revoking permits for Flock cameras and similar license-plate readers on state roads, dealing a blow to local law enforcement agencies that say they’re a critical crime-fighting tool.
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In a memorandum Monday, Florida Department of Transportation Assistant Secretary Will Watts gave agencies 30 days to remove the cameras from state roads, or FDOT will remove them itself.
The agency also no longer intends to issue permits for the cameras.
The controversial cameras — most commonly manufactured by Flock, but numerous other companies make similar devices — photograph every vehicle that passes by, recording details like license plate numbers, make, model, color and markings like dents and scratches on cars.
Thousands of cameras have been posted on streets across the state — and tens of thousands more nationally — and law enforcement agencies say the cameras are critical tools to solving crimes quickly.
Orange County Sheriff John Mina said recently that his agency has 160 cameras at a cost of $158,000 annually.
“If somehow this were to go away, it’s a big win for the criminals,” Mina said. “It’d be a huge detriment to law enforcement if we lose it.”
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But last week, DeSantis said the use of such cameras is “out of control.”
“I’m all about having law enforcement have tools to be able to hold criminals accountable,” the governor said. “But I don’t want to have this become a surveillance state.”
DeSantis’ remarks came as furor against the cameras has grown nationwide, including in cities like Oviedo and Altamonte Springs. The Oviedo City Council was expected to discuss ending its contract with Flock at a workshop Monday evening.
The FDOT order applies to only state roads — but those are also some of the busiest roads in Central Florida, including Semoran Boulevard, Colonial Drive, Orange Blossom Trail, Conway Road and Alafaya Trail in Orange County. Cameras are posted on parts of all of those streets, according to the open-source map DeFlock.
But despite his recent opposition, DeSantis has also approved money for local agencies to purchase hundreds of Flock and similar cameras in his role on the State Board of Immigration Enforcement. The board doles out grant funds to police agencies for expenses related to immigration enforcement.
DeSantis’ office didn’t immediately respond Monday on whether it intends to take action against those devices as well.
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This is a developing story, please check back for updates.