The Florida Department of Transportation on Monday announced the removal of license plate reader cameras after Gov. Ron DeSantis expressed his concerns with the artificial intelligence-powered flock cameras,
Read more Trump Venezuela oil deal draws skepticism over democratic reform, impact on gas prices
According to FDOT, local law enforcement agencies will have 30 days to remove the flock cameras that are currently operational.
If those cameras are not removed within 30 days, FDOT will remove them.
FDOT has also revoked all LPR-related approvals.
In the memorandum, FDOT said that reports of misuse and data concerns merited “immediate action to preserve Floridians’ sovereignty and quality of life.”
Read more ‘I know what I did’: Jurors hear jail phone call of man admitting he shot Sunrise officer
“Well, I’ve been on the record as saying that what we don’t want in the state of Florida is to have a digital AI surveillance state where everything we’re doing is being tracked at all times,” DeSantis said on Monday. “And do I think that LPRs can be useful. The state uses it for like toll by plate, but that’s a different situation than when you’re using it for criminal penalties.”
Following FDOT’s announcement, law enforcement in Volusia County, Clay County and Duval County have said they will comply with the memo, but also stated that the LPRs have helped them solve crimes.