Ron DeSantis
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The gist
Gov. Ron DeSantis ordered removal of Flock license plate cameras from Florida state roads within 30 days. The move follows privacy concerns and a grand jury report on misused funds.
Background
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has been a vocal critic of automated license plate readers (ALPRs), citing privacy risks and potential misuse. On August 31, 2026, his administration ordered the Florida Department of Transportation to halt new permits and remove existing cameras from state highways within 30 days. This decision comes amid growing backlash and concerns about surveillance, as well as a separate grand jury report that found his administration misappropriated $10 million in taxpayer funds.
How it unfolded
- Aug 31, 2026DeSantis announced the removal of Flock cameras from state highways, citing privacy concerns and potential misuse. FDOT issued a memo ordering removal within 30 days and halting new permits.
- Sep 1, 2026Several Florida law enforcement agencies, including sheriffs from Panhandle to Miami-Dade, announced they would stop using the cameras entirely, while Tampa Bay agencies said they would comply but not go further.
- Sep 1, 2026DeSantis awarded nearly $23 million to strengthen Florida's defense industrial base, highlighting his focus on other state priorities.
- Sep 2, 2026At a Republican unity event in Tampa, DeSantis faced hecklers who brought up the Hope Florida case involving the misappropriated $10 million.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- DeSantis argues the cameras could create a 'surveillance state' and be misused by private companies or law enforcement, saying 'No one has given law enforcement more tools than we have, but they need to be targeted at criminals.'
- Law Enforcement
- Some sheriffs, like Pinellas County's Bob Gualtieri, said they will comply with the order but have no plans for a broader overhaul, while others have rushed to discontinue use entirely.
Still unverified
The grand jury report was leaked online and DeSantis did not dispute its legitimacy, but no charges have been filed and he insists no laws were broken.