NewsWUSF (NPR Tampa Bay) — PoliticsSeptember 1, 2026Hillsborough
Governor DeSantis orders removal of state-funded license plate readers from roads
Governor Ron DeSantis has directed 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 (NPR Tampa Bay) — PoliticsWhy It Matters
This directive reverses the state's previous financial support for surveillance technology on public roads, impacting the operational tools available to local law enforcement agencies that received the $4.6 million in grants.
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 previously approving grants f”personWilton Simpson“Member of the State Board of Immigration Enforcement.”organizationFlock Safety“Manufacturer of license plate reader cameras used by law enforcement.”organizationFlorida Department of Transportation“Issued the memo requiring the removal of license plate readers from state roads.”personBlaise Ingoglia“Member of the State Board of Immigration Enforcement.”organizationState Board of Immigration Enforcement“Approved $4.6 million in grants for local law enforcement to purchase license pl”personJames Uthmeier“Member of the State Board of Immigration Enforcement.”personGordon Smith“Directed his office to stop using license plate readers throughout the county.”personWayne Ivey“Terminated agency use of Flock cameras following the state's decision.”personWill Watts“Signed the memo withdrawing authority for LPR systems on state roads.”