POLISCOPE
Back to feed
NewsFOX 13 Tampa BayAugust 31, 2026Hillsborough

Florida orders removal of automated license plate readers from state highways

Florida transportation officials are requiring local law enforcement agencies to remove all automated license plate reader cameras from state highway rights-of-way within 30 days. The order follows concerns regarding privacy, potential misuse of surveillance data, and the rapid growth of camera technology on public roads.

surveillancetransportationprivacylaw enforcement
Read the full story at FOX 13 Tampa Bay

Why It Matters

This directive changes the surveillance infrastructure on state roads, requiring local police departments to relocate or decommission camera systems currently monitoring traffic on state-controlled highway property.

Key Facts

  • Local law enforcement agencies must remove automated license plate readers from state highway rights-of-way.
  • The removal must be completed within 30 days.
  • The order is based on concerns regarding privacy and the potential for technology misuse.
  • The order addresses the rapid expansion of surveillance technology on public roads.

Who's Mentioned

personRon DeSantis“Governor of Florida who supports the move and calls for an AI bill of rights.”other13“Age of a girl located using camera technology.”personNikki Fried“Florida Democratic Party Chair who criticized the previous lack of safeguards.”organizationFlock Safety“A primary provider of license plate reader technology.”organizationFlorida Department of Transportation“The state agency issuing the removal order.”other700“Number of times an officer allegedly searched for an estranged spouse's vehicle.”personGarrett Langley“Founder and CEO of Flock Safety.”