TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) - Florida Governor Ron DeSantis said he’s removing Flock camera from state roadways.

The announcement comes amid a growing concern over the misuse of automated license plate readers.

On Monday, DeSantis ordered all Flock cameras removed from what he calls the “state highway system” within the next 30 days, which would include interstates like I-10 and I-75.

That order led to several sheriff’s departments like in Franklin, Liberty and Putnam Counties to announce they’re ending their own license plate reader programs.

Florida politics:

According to the Florida Department of Transportation memo, if the cameras aren’t removed from the state right-of-ways within 30 days, then the state government will take them down on their own.

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The memo also says FDOT will deny any other permits for cameras in the future.

DeSantis says that while his administration is pro law enforcement, there have been growing signs of camera misuse, and a concerns about surveillance.

“But, you also have to say, okay, how could this be misused? And how could a private company misuse the data, but also law enforcement? We know there was an officer in Florida who was using the LPR data to track like an ex-girlfriend or something like that,” DeSantis said.

The new order only applies to the “State Highway System,” so it appears cameras can remain on city and county roads unless the legislature moves to further restrict the cameras next year.

It’s worth noting this memo is essentially an executive order from the governor, and could be revoked by whoever takes over the position in January. That’s why DeSantis called for a legislative solution next spring.

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