TALLAHASSEE — Gov. Ron DeSantis, critical of license plate readers, has blocked their use on state roads, warning the cameras could create a “surveillance state.”
However, in the past year, DeSantis has approved approximately $4.6 million in requests from local law enforcement agencies for license plate readers in connection with their illegal immigration enforcement efforts. Not all of the money has been disbursed.
Since September 2025, 18 law enforcement entities, including county sheriffs offices and city police agencies, have requested money for about 440 license plate readers through the State Board of Immigration Enforcement’s grant program.
DeSantis and the Florida Cabinet — Attorney General James Uthmeier, Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia and Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson — comprise the board.
You can read the full article here: Before DeSantis banned Flock cameras, he approved funding them – Sun Sentinel
With this announcement, it seems the average Florida resident believes these cameras will now become a thing of the past. However, nothing could be further from the truth. From what I’m learning, Governor DeSantis’ order only affects STATE ROADS. I have reached out to his office to see if they will still be issuing permits for these type surveillance cameras for county roads. I’m still waiting for their response. You can read and download the Governors’ Memorandum that was sent to the FDOT here: https://www.flockflorida.com/documents/eom26-01.pdf
If you look at a flock camera location map of “State” roads in Florda, the number of cameras on those roads are minimal in comparison to the cameras usage on County Roads. From my estimation, Governor DeSantis’ action only affects about 10% of the ALPR cameras in the state. County roads comprise 90% of the surveillance cameras currently in use in Florida. You can view that for yourself at the website: Find Nearby ALPRs | DeFlock
For every story Law Enforcement might site where these cameras have helped solve a crime, there are 10 where it has caused danger and injustice for the public at large.
Though Flock boasts that it’s camera’s only take a photo. Utilizing AI in the camera system, this is the data they are collecting. And how do we know they aren’t taking video ? With millions of cars on the roadways, and the increasing use of AI systems in the software, you see why the need for so many Data Centers across the country right ?
I’ve also read that Flock is starting to incorporate facial recognition and blue tooth capturing capabilities which could tie your cell phone data to the system. This is also a huge concern. The use of AI technology in these surveillance systems is growing exponentially. They are no longer “just a camera”.
Flock is catching a lot of flack. In their defense, there are a number of other companies providing this technology to cities, counties and states as well. Flock has just been the most talked about. Contact your local officials to find out what they’re using. Most likely a combination of different companies and technology.