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NewsSt Pete CatalystOctober 28, 2026Pinellas County

Sheriff Bob Gualtieri says automated license plate reader cameras will be relocated if banned from Pinellas County property

Photo: St Pete Catalyst

Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri stated during a county commission meeting that if commissioners approve a resolution restricting automated license plate reader cameras from county property, he will simply move the devices to other locations. The discussion follows growing local scrutiny over law enforcement data collection practices and potential state-level legislation.

Law EnforcementSurveillance TechnologyLocal GovernmentTransportation
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Why It Matters

Local policy debates over automated surveillance tools intersect with state jurisdiction and municipal data-sharing practices, involving nearly 300 fixed cameras and 560 patrol vehicles across the county.

Key Facts

  • Sheriff Bob Gualtieri stated he would move automated license plate reader cameras elsewhere if the Pinellas County Commission passes a resolution banning them from county property and rights-of-way.
  • The discussion took place during the Oct. 27 Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners meeting regarding a resolution proposed by Commissioner Vince Nowicki.
  • There are just under 300 fixed, stationary automated license plate reader cameras in Pinellas County, alongside technology in the Sheriff's Office's 560 patrol cars.
  • In September, a former Pinellas County sheriff's deputy was arrested after allegedly misusing a license plate reader database to track a woman.
  • Commissioner Chris Latvala expressed a preference to wait for state lawmakers to address the technology rather than pass a localized Pinellas County resolution.
  • St. Petersburg grassroots group DeFlock St. Pete has requested that the City Council end its contract with Flock Safety and remove approximately 50 cameras.
  • Pasco County ended its Flock Safety contract in September, and St. Johns County commissioners voted to remove readers from county rights-of-way.

Who's Mentioned

OrganizationFlock Safety“Company providing automated license plate reader cameras”PersonVince Nowicki“Pinellas County Commissioner who initially presented the resolution regarding AL”PersonBob Gualtieri“Pinellas County Sheriff discussing automated license plate reader cameras”locationFlorida“State where legislative action regarding ALPRs is anticipated”OrganizationPinellas County Sheriff's Office“Law enforcement agency operating patrol cars and license plate readers”locationSt. Johns County“County whose commissioners voted to remove automated license plate readers from ”locationSt. Petersburg“City where DeFlock St. Pete has called for the removal of cameras”PersonChris Latvala“Pinellas County Commissioner questioning the sheriff and state actions”OrganizationDeFlock St. Pete“Grassroots group calling on St. Petersburg City Council to end its agreement wit”locationPinellas County“County where the cameras and discussions are located”locationTampa Bay“Region facing scrutiny over law enforcement data collection”PersonRon DeSantis“Florida Governor whose administration previously removed ALPRs from state rights”OrganizationPinellas County Board of County Commissioners“Local governing body considering a resolution on camera placement”locationPasco County“County that ended its Flock Safety contract in September”OrganizationFlorida Department of Transportation“State agency affected by previous camera removal decisions”