(WDNews) – Three sheriff’s offices in the Florida Panhandle covered by the Wiregrass region are discontinuing automated license plate reader programs following a Florida Department of Transportation directive requiring the devices to be removed from state road rights-of-way.
The Okaloosa, Holmes and Jackson county sheriff’s offices have each announced plans to stop using the technology.
FDOT revoked general use permits previously issued to local law enforcement agencies for automated license plate readers on state road rights-of-way. Agencies have 30 days to remove affected devices or FDOT will remove them.
The directive cites concerns over the rapid growth of the technology, data privacy and surveillance.
License plate readers, including Flock cameras, capture license plates and other vehicle information that can be searched by law enforcement during investigations.
Okaloosa County
According to the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office, most of its Flock cameras are located on state rights-of-way. Sheriff Eric Aden said the agency will also remove its remaining devices located on county rights-of-way.
“From the very start of this discussion, I said that if a judge ruled these cameras are unconstitutional, or the governor determined they violated the law, we would certainly comply,” Aden said. “Though LPR technology has not been ruled unconstitutional, nor did the Governor determine it unlawful or illegal through legislation, the FDOT Memorandum eliminates our ability to use them.”
The sheriff’s office said it will notify Flock Safety and begin working through contract timelines for the removal of the equipment.
The agency is not ruling out using license plate reader technology in the future but said it will wait for clearer legal guidance before reconsidering the program.
“This is disappointing from a public safety standpoint. It’s been a valuable tool in solving crime and protecting lives,” Aden said.
Holmes County
The Holmes County Sheriff’s Office said it will discontinue its use of license plate readers altogether.
According to the sheriff’s office, four cameras currently operated by the agency are located along State Road 2, State Road 81 and State Road 79. The company that owns the cameras has been given 30 days to remove them.
“These cameras have provided law enforcement with a valuable resource for locating stolen vehicles, wanted individuals, missing persons, and suspects involved in criminal activity,” the sheriff’s office said.
The agency also acknowledged concerns from residents about the technology.
“We also recognize that some community members have concerns about privacy and view LPR technology as intrusive. We respect those concerns and everyone’s opinions. We believe discontinuing the use of these cameras at this time is in the best interest.”
The sheriff’s office said it will continue using other lawful and available tools to protect the community.
Jackson County
The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office said it will stop using license plate reader cameras immediately.
“These cameras capture license plates and vehicle information that can help investigators identify suspects, solve crimes, and locate missing persons. This technology provided valuable assistance in investigations, and our purpose in using it has always been to help keep our community safe,” the sheriff’s office said.
The agency said safeguards were in place and its use of the system was audited.
“We had safeguards in place and audited how the system was used. There have been no findings of misuse by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office.”
The sheriff’s office also addressed residents’ privacy concerns.
“We’ve heard your concerns about privacy, and we’ve listened. Our job is to protect the people of Jackson County, and that includes respecting your privacy.”
Bay County has also agreed to remove its license plate readers, adding another Florida Panhandle county to move away from the technology following the FDOT directive.
