The Florida Department of Transportation revoked all existing permits for automated license plate readers on state highway rights-of-way Monday and directed local agencies to remove the devices within 30 days.

FDOT Assistant Secretary Will Watts issued the memo citing an exponential increase in deployments along roadways, reports of misuse, data privacy concerns, and surveillance schemes. The action aims to preserve Floridians’ sovereignty and quality of life, according to the document. The department will no longer approve new installations on state roads and will remove any remaining devices after the deadline.

The order applies specifically to the State Highway System and does not affect cameras on private property, county or city roads, or mobile units used by the Florida Highway Patrol. Governor Ron DeSantis had described the technology as out of control during an August 27 news conference.

Flock Safety cameras and similar automated license plate readers capture vehicle details including license plates, make, model, color, direction, and sometimes identifying features. Law enforcement agencies have used the systems to solve crimes, recover stolen property, and locate missing persons.

Several sheriff’s offices responded swiftly. Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters announced his agency would discontinue use of the technology throughout Duval County effective immediately. Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood shut down all license plate readers countywide, noting the state directive made continued use unworkable. Sheriffs in Leon, Seminole, Franklin, and other counties also suspended or ended programs.

Proponents argue the cameras provide valuable investigative tools, while critics raise alarms over mass surveillance and potential abuse. The FDOT memo emphasizes that Florida law grants the department authority over devices within state road rights-of-way.