NewsWUSF — Tampa Bay NPR (Local & State)September 1, 2026Hillsborough
Governor DeSantis orders removal of state-funded license plate readers from roads
Governor Ron DeSantis has ordered local law enforcement agencies to remove automatic license plate readers from state roads, despite having approved $4.6 million in funding for the devices over the past year. The funding was originally granted to support local agencies in their illegal immigration enforcement efforts.
Read the full story at WUSF — Tampa Bay NPR (Local & State)Why It Matters
This directive reverses state support for surveillance technology on public roads, impacting the operational tools available to local law enforcement agencies that received state grants for these devices.
Key Facts
Each fact below is taken from the article. Click one to see the exact passage.
Who's Mentioned
personRon DeSantis“Blocked license plate readers on state roads while overseeing a board that funde”personWilton Simpson“Member of the State Board of Immigration Enforcement.”organizationFlock Safety“Manufacturer of license plate reader technology.”organizationFlorida Department of Transportation“Issued the memo revoking permits for cameras on state roads.”personBlaise Ingoglia“Member of the State Board of Immigration Enforcement.”organizationState Board of Immigration Enforcement“Approved $4.6 million in grants for license plate readers.”personJames Uthmeier“Member of the State Board of Immigration Enforcement.”personGordon Smith“Directed his office to stop using license plate readers.”personWayne Ivey“Terminated agency use of Flock cameras.”personWill Watts“Signed the memo revoking camera permits.”