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ECSO, PPD Suspend Automated License Plate Readers Following State Directive
September 2, 2026
On Tuesday, both the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office and the Pensacola Police Department announced they are suspending their use of Automated License Plate Recognition (ALPR) camera networks.
The local announcements follow sweeping state action taken Monday by Gov. Ron DeSantis’ administration. In a statewide directive, the Florida Department of Transportation moved to shutter the rapidly expanding camera systems on state roadways.
A memorandum issued Monday by FDOT Chief Operating Officer Will Watts revoked all active permits previously granted to local law enforcement agencies allowing ALPR systems—including those manufactured by Flock Safety—to operate within state highway rights of way.
“While Florida law limits the issuance of permits for LPR systems to law enforcement agencies, the recent exponential increase in deployments along our roadways, coupled with concerning reports of misuse, data privacy concerns, and surveillance schemes merit immediate action to preserve Floridians’ sovereignty and quality of life,” Watts wrote.
Under the FDOT order, law enforcement agencies have 30 days to remove the devices from state rights of way, after which FDOT will remove any remaining units. The state also announced it is exercising its discretionary authority to immediately cease issuing any future ALPR permits within its jurisdiction.
Speaking in Jacksonville on Monday, DeSantis voiced sharp concerns about mass surveillance and privacy risks.
“No one has given law enforcement more tools than we have, but they need to be targeted at criminals,” DeSantis said. “If they can create a dossier on your movements they would be able to make a fortune in selling that to companies for advertising and product placement.”
DeSantis added that while sheriffs have used the tools effectively, penalties for misuse remain inadequate. “You also have to say how can this be misused,” he noted. “I don’t think we have really strong penalties at all for that type of misuse.”
On Tuesday, Escambia County Sheriff Chip W. Simmons released a statement announcing that ECSO is suspending its ALPR camera network in light of the state’s directive and ongoing legislative discussions.
“The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office has used Automated License Plate Recognition (ALPR) technology for several years as an investigative tool to help deputies and investigators solve crimes, locate dangerous offenders, and find missing and endangered people. There is no question that this technology has proven its value in keeping our community safe,” Simmons said. “But with any law enforcement tool, especially one involving technology, there must also be accountability, clear rules, and public confidence in how it is being used.”
Simmons noted that while ECSO enforces strict agency guidelines, statewide consistency is needed.
“We believe we have used this technology responsibly. However, we also recognize that individual agency policies are not enough. Floridians should be able to expect consistent standards for how this technology is used, no matter where they live or which law enforcement agency operates the system,” Simmons said. “We are now seeing jurisdictions across Florida suspend or discontinue the use of ALPR cameras, along with recent direction from the State of Florida through the Florida Department of Transportation. With those developments and the broader questions surrounding the future of these programs statewide, the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office will suspend its use of ALPR camera networks at this time.”
Simmons added that ECSO is actively working with lawmakers to help shape clear statutory boundaries.
“This is not a decision we have made lightly. ALPR technology has helped law enforcement solve serious crimes, identify offenders, and locate people in danger. We know it works. But we also believe that when legitimate concerns are raised about a technology used by government, those concerns deserve to be addressed. A temporary suspension gives us an opportunity to do that the right way,” Simmons said.
“The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office is working with our local legislative delegation, state leaders, the Florida Sheriffs Association, and its legislative committee to advocate for thoughtful statewide legislation governing the use of ALPR technology,” Simmons continued. “Our goal is straightforward: establish clear and consistent rules that protect the privacy of law-abiding citizens while preserving an important investigative tool for law enforcement. We do not believe public safety and individual privacy have to be competing interests. Good policy should protect both.”
Simmons concluded: “Until there is greater clarity regarding the future of ALPR programs in Florida and a consistent framework for their use, we believe suspending our use of these networks is the responsible course of action for Escambia County.”
Also on Tuesday, the Pensacola Police Department confirmed it is pausing its ALPR program.
“The Pensacola Police Department is committed to ensuring every law enforcement tool is utilized in an appropriate and Constitutional manner,” PPD said in a brief statement. “Until further legislative steps are taken to ensure all users of automated license plate reader technology comply with these same standards, we are suspending the use of ALPRs in the City of Pensacola.”
Comments
7 Responses to “ECSO, PPD Suspend Automated License Plate Readers Following State Directive”
Regardless of supposed usefulness, any tool that infringes on the rights of individual’s privacy is anathema to liberty. Simply tracking movement locations builds a profile available to unknown institutions that you don’t know exists in whose hands. This violates both your Forth and Fifth Constitutional Amendment guarantees. It is impossible to create acceptable “boundaries” for use of these Big Brother surveillance systems without trampling on individual rights.
Thank you DeSantis. Now all you freedom loving Floridians get out there and help take them down. The poles they are on are extremely weak and are no match for nearly any vehicle. Don’t ask me how I know LOL.
I sure am glad these are being removed, We don’t need a surveillance or police state in this country and even less privacy. At the rate they were building and installing these I was half expecting one in front of every house in the near future. I just pray Axon cameras doesn’t wiggle there way in with there own cameras to take Flocks place. These cameras are a severe road hazard in most areas as well because they usually place them on flimsy polls in concrete close to the highway without using Breakaway poles or devices as per Florida Dot law.
I’ll believe they’re gone when the poles and cameras are gone.
I am very happy to see this gone. It was becoming an everyday theme where some wayward deputy was using it to stalk an ex GF or wife. Any deputy that abuses their position should absolutely have the book thrown at them. In a free society, a position of authority, leadership and trust demands complete and total accountability. And free people don’t need to be surveilled to remain free and safe.
It was a very useful tool when it was used for it’s intended purpose. Unfortunately the implementation of unlimited access at all levels of law enforcement ranks was just plain irresponsible. There are too many accounts of abuse to allow this to continue.
Again I blame admin at the highest levels for allowing unfeathered access to the system. Entry level officers were allowed “hot plate” entry alerts where the officer is notified personally when the tag they entered hits an LPR anywhere in the USA. This was unacceptable and was being abused all over the country.
Plain and simple, Police administration and supervision failed.
I think the city should refund those individuals who obviously
Where not driving there vehicles that received a ticket from the downtown
redlight cameras!!I I received a ticket when my wife was driving
down town on palafox.She went through a yellow light.