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NewsCreative Loafing TampaSeptember 1, 2026Hillsborough

Florida sheriffs remove license plate readers following Governor DeSantis's warning against surveillance

Florida sheriffs are beginning to decommission automated license plate reader systems after Governor Ron DeSantis expressed concerns regarding the potential for a 'surveillance state.' The Governor stated that law enforcement tools should be focused on criminal activity rather than monitoring the general public.

law enforcementprivacysurveillancelicense plate readers
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Why It Matters

The removal of these systems changes how local law enforcement agencies track vehicle movements and collect data on residents in public spaces.

Key Facts

  • Florida sheriffs are actively removing automated license plate reader systems.
  • Governor Ron DeSantis publicly criticized the use of these tools for monitoring citizens who have not committed crimes.
  • The Governor characterized the widespread use of such technology as a potential 'surveillance state.'
  • The Governor stated that law enforcement tools should be reserved for fighting crime.

Who's Mentioned

personRon DeSantis“Governor of Florida who directed the removal of cameras.”personDaniel Perez“Former Florida House Speaker.”personT.K. Waters“Duval County Sheriff.”organizationFlock“Manufacturer of the license plate reader technology being removed.”organizationFlock Safety“Provider of the license plate reader technology.”organizationCreative Loafing Tampa“Publisher of the news article.”personMichelle Cook“Clay County Sheriff.”locationJacksonville“Location where the Governor made his remarks.”personSam Garrison“Incoming Florida House Speaker.”personH.D. Gator DeLoach“Putnam County Sheriff.”locationFlorida“State where the policy shift is occurring.”personDusty Arnold“Liberty County Sheriff.”personChris Nocco“Pasco County Sheriff.”