Flock Safety has faced considerable scrutiny and public backlash in recent times due to concerns over its surveillance technologies, which many believe go beyond mass surveillance and infringe on privacy rights. Specifically, Flock installs and manages a network of Automated License Plate Readers (ALPRs) across the country that use high-definition cameras and AI to record and track records and data from passing vehicles. However, Flock cameras have been shown to track more than just license plates. They record colors, details and other distinctive characteristics of vehicles to create an individual signature or profile. Additionally, the company allegedly made false claims about the capabilities of its technology, and its executives were less than honest about how those systems were used. Several law enforcement officers negligently exploited their access to cameras and systems. One even stalked an ex-girlfriend and has since been arrested. Given many of these concerns, the state of Florida has now banned the company’s cameras and license plate readers from being used on its roads.
Florida Department of Transportation Chief Operating Officer Will Watts informed local law enforcement of the ban in a recent memo, citing the “potential abuses, data privacy concerns and surveillance schemes” that have come to light, including a “recent exponential increase” in camera use on the state’s roadways. He also expressly states that he believes this change is important to preserve “the sovereignty and quality of life of Floridians.”
Florida is the first state to officially ban the use of such cameras. However, it’s not entirely alone. Other states, such as Texas, have suspended public funding for affected technologies.
What Does Florida’s Flock Camera Ban Really Mean?
According to the memo, the ministry has revoked all existing system approvals. Camera installations on affected roads must be removed within 30 days of the memorandum’s publication date of August 31, 2026, although the memo also states that the ministry may remove them immediately if they pose an immediate safety concern. The State Department of Transportation will remove unremoved cameras and systems after the 30 days. Moving forward, FDOT also states that it will not issue any new permits related to LPR systems.
If you live in Florida, like me, or just want to reference information about Flock’s facilities, a free tool can help you avoid Flock’s invasive AI traffic technology. Called Deflock, it displays the locations of cameras and potential installations on a visible map, and if you zoom in, you can also see which direction they’re pointed.
Flock Safety owns Flock cameras and while it is one of the largest providers of ALPR technology, several others have installations spread across the country. Other vendors with active monitoring equipment include Axon, Genetec, Leonardo, Motorola Solutions and Verkada. Deflock will try to show you local RAPIs, regardless of provider, whenever possible. The community largely handles the camera reporting, and you can also help us if you want.
