NewsWUSF — Tampa Bay NPR (Politics)September 1, 2026Hillsborough
Governor DeSantis reverses funding for license plate readers on state roads
Governor Ron DeSantis has ordered the removal of automatic license plate readers from state roads after previously approving $4.6 million in funding for the devices to support local law enforcement immigration enforcement efforts. The Florida Department of Transportation issued the directive to local agencies on Monday.
Read the full story at WUSF — Tampa Bay NPR (Politics)Why It Matters
This action halts the use of state-funded surveillance technology on Florida roads that was previously authorized to assist local agencies with immigration enforcement.
Key Facts
Each fact below is taken from the article. Click one to see the exact passage.
Who's Mentioned
personRon DeSantis“Blocked camera use while approving state grants for the same technology.”personWilton Simpson“Member of the State Board of Immigration Enforcement.”organizationFlock Safety“Manufacturer of license plate reader cameras.”organizationFlorida Department of Transportation“The state agency that issued the directive to remove the cameras.”personBlaise Ingoglia“Member of the State Board of Immigration Enforcement.”organizationState Board of Immigration Enforcement“Approved grant funding for local law enforcement camera purchases.”personJames Uthmeier“Member of the State Board of Immigration Enforcement.”personGordon Smith“Directed his office to stop using license plate readers county-wide.”personWayne Ivey“Terminated agency use of Flock camera data following the state's decision.”personWill Watts“Authored the memo withdrawing authority for camera use on state roads.”