DeSantis Moves To De-Flock State Highways

Republican Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said he’s removing automated license plate readers from state roadways, according to a Florida Department of Transportation memo obtained by the Daily Caller.

On Monday, DeSantis ordered all Flock cameras to be removed from the “state highway system,” which includes interstates such as I-10 and I-75, within 30 days. (RELATED: Florida Becomes First State To Ban Tattoos, Vapes For Welfare Program)

The order comes amid growing concerns over the potential misuse of automated license plate readers.

Following the announcement, several sheriff’s departments, including those in Putnam, Liberty and Franklin counties, announced they would end their own license plate reader programs.

The memo further notes that if cameras are not removed from state rights-of-way within 30 days, the state government will remove them itself.

DeSantis said his administration remains supportive of law enforcement, but argued that growing evidence of camera misuse has raised legitimate concerns about government surveillance.

“But, you also have to say, okay, how could this be misused? And how could a private company misuse the data, but also law enforcement? We know there was an officer in Florida who was using the LPR data to track like an ex-girlfriend or something like that,” DeSantis said.

Flock cameras are assuming you're guilty. Is "solving crime" really an appropriate trade-off for a mass-surveillance state? Garrett Langley wants to prioritize “compromise.” Ron DeSantis says this gets a lot worse without protections… and the whole thing needs to be overhauled. pic.twitter.com/DAsTpmFjHJ

The memo also says FDOT will deny any other permits for cameras in the future.

The order is limited to roads that fall under the State Highway System, meaning the license plate reading cameras could remain on city and county roads unless lawmakers enact broader restrictions during the next legislative session. (RELATED: This Flock AI Tool Finds You Without A Name Or Plate)

The move comes as lawmakers across the country raise concerns about the increasingly sophisticated camera networks and artificial intelligence systems being used to track vehicles.

DeSantis said he thinks it’s “out of control” during a press conference at Florida International University in Miami on Wednesday, when asked about license plate readers.

While DeSantis supports giving law enforcement the tools needed to investigate crimes, he has warned against allowing Florida to become a “surveillance state.”

DeSantis has also said the issue should ultimately be addressed by the legislature and has repeatedly called for an artificial intelligence bill of rights.

“I think people are right to be concerned,” DeSantis said.

The memo is not necessarily permanent, as a future administration could reverse the action after DeSantis leaves office in January.