Gov. Ron DeSantis is delivering on a promise to remove automated license plate reader (LPR) cameras from state right-of-ways, with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) ordering localities to pull the cameras within 30 days.
Additionally, FDOT says it will move more quickly to remove cameras, made by Flock Safety, Axon and other brands, that it perceives to constitute an “immediate safety concern” or to be “causing an unsafe condition.”
The memo, authored by Assistant Secretary Will Watts, roots the agency’s authority in Statute 316.0777. That law gives them jurisdiction over the tools used by local governments.
During a cable television interview last week, DeSantis said he was going to “clear the state right-of-ways” and remove cameras used by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the Florida Highway Patrol to track protesters and corral suspected illegal immigrants.
As recently as Monday afternoon, DeSantis has suggested that legislation similar to that in New Hampshire would be useful in Florida. The state bans the installation of the cameras along public roads. While law enforcement using them in vehicles is permissible, the data must be purged quickly.
Civil liberties have driven DeSantis’ position, as he said Monday.
“I don’t want things that are sweeping up just everyday citizens, and we’re told don’t worry about it. No one’s going to use it. Then come to find out some company is harvesting that and they can make a fortune,” DeSantis said.
“If they can create a dossier on your movements, they would be able to make a fortune in selling that to companies for advertising and for product placement and all these other things. Have we have we not had enough of that over these recent years?”
At least 100 law enforcement agencies in the state use Flock LPR cameras. That’s part of a national network estimated at more than 100,000 cameras, with nearly 7,500 LPRs in Florida.
Various cities and counties in the state have explored bans on the technology. But given the memo from the state, local sheriffs are moving quickly to comply.
“As always, our commitment to fostering a safe community where families and businesses can thrive remains our top priority,” Clay County Sheriff Michelle Cook said. “This decision does not hinder, nor sway, our efforts to prevent and fight crime, solve cases, hold offenders accountable and maintain public trust.”
Jacksonville Sheriff TK Waters says his department “will discontinue the use of LPR technology throughout Duval County effective immediately.”
Mayor Donna Deegan said “the right to privacy must be protected when emerging technology is employed, even when it serves a legitimate law enforcement purpose.”
“I commend Sheriff Waters on his responsiveness to shared community concerns. My administration will continue working with City Council on policy solutions that protect data from misuse,” she added.
Putnam County Sheriff Gator DeLoach says his department will “discontinue our program and cancel our contract at this time.”
The cameras are also being used on private property, which FDOT’s order does not cover.
We have requests for comment out to the Governor and to FDOT. This story will be updated as warranted.
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