NewsFox 13 News (WTVT) — All NewsAugust 27, 2026Hillsborough
Pasco County Sheriff to end license plate reader agreement by September 2026
Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco announced he will terminate the county's interlocal agreement for license plate reader cameras on public rights-of-way effective September 30, 2026. The decision follows a shift in support from the Board of County Commissioners, who expressed concerns regarding the technology's use.
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The removal of these cameras from county will change how law enforcement tracks vehicles in public areas, while private entities like HOAs and retail centers will continue to operate their own independent systems.
Key Facts
- The interlocal agreement for license plate reader cameras will officially terminate on September 30, 2026.
- The original agreement was unanimously approved by the Board of County Commissioners on December 10, 2024.
- The termination does not affect license plate readers installed by private entities such as HOAs, CDDs, or retail establishments.
- Cameras located on state-owned rights-of-way governed by the Florida Department of Transportation are not affected by this decision.
- Current Pasco County policy restricts license plate data retention to 30 days, though state law allows up to two years.
- Sheriff's Office policy currently limits camera searches to felonies and select misdemeanors tied to a specific case number or call for service.
- Governor Ron DeSantis has publicly expressed concerns about the expansion of license plate reader technology and suggested the need for legislative action.
- Sheriff Nocco stated that the lack of cameras will impact the ability to locate missing persons, human trafficking victims, and solve crimes.