Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis called Flock license plate cameras “out of control” last week and said he does not want a “surveillance state.” He ordered state agencies to pull their cameras off state roads. That is not a statewide ban. Most of Florida’s readers belong to cities and sheriffs, not Tallahassee.
Flock cameras photograph plates, log when and where a car passed, and let police search a shared network. Supporters say they find stolen cars, missing kids, and suspects. Critics say they track everyday driving and are too easy to abuse. A Haines City officer was charged after records showed 717 searches on his estranged wife’s plate.
Ohio is already in this fight. Dayton covered its fixed Flock cameras in June after officials said data use violated city policy. Other communities nationwide have canceled contracts. The question is the same here as in Florida: useful tool, or too much tracking?
DeSantis wants lawmakers to set limits, possibly like New Hampshire, which restricts roadside readers and dumps most plate data within minutes. Florida never passed a tight statewide rule. Ohio has not either. Local councils and sheriffs are making the calls for now.
