Florida’s order removing automated license plate readers from state highway rights-of-way has not necessarily stopped police agencies from monitoring those roads. In Longboat Key, officials are considering moving affected Flock cameras onto nearby town or private property while continuing to aim them at the same highway.

Longboat Key plans camera relocations

The issue involves Gulf of Mexico Drive, also designated State Road 789. Longboat Key officials determined that cameras positioned outside the Florida Department of Transportation’s right-of-way could still be directed toward the roadway.

Town Attorney Maggie Mooney said the state’s order does not prohibit a camera located beyond the highway boundary from observing the road. Police Chief Russ Mager said the department is working with Flock to identify replacement locations on town-owned land or, with permission, private property.

If relocated, the cameras would continue watching Gulf of Mexico Drive rather than being taken out of service entirely.

FDOT order focused on highway rights-of-way

FDOT revoked permits for automated license plate recognition systems installed within state highway rights-of-way. The action followed concerns about the rapid expansion of the technology, privacy issues, potential misuse and what the department described as “surveillance schemes.” Affected agencies were given 30 days to remove the equipment, with FDOT authorized to remove cameras that remained in place.

The order did not make license plate readers illegal in every location. That distinction has allowed some agencies to consider moving the systems rather than abandoning them.

Several Florida law enforcement agencies have responded differently. Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood said his department would shut down its readers, while Jacksonville and Bradford County also moved away from the technology.

Possible relocation in Polk County

Longboat Key may not be the only department taking this approach. A recently posted video appears to show a Polk County Sheriff’s Office Flock camera positioned just beyond the right-of-way along State Road 60. The unit is behind a fence bordering the highway but remains aimed at passing traffic.

The video’s creator said the camera had previously been inside the state right-of-way and was moved behind the property line after FDOT issued its order. That relocation has not been independently confirmed, although the camera’s current position is visible in the footage.

Polk County’s public position is consistent with continued use outside state highway boundaries. Sheriff Grady Judd previously said his office would comply with FDOT’s order while retaining license plate readers located elsewhere.

Automated license plate reader networks have faced increasing scrutiny over the amount of information they collect, how widely that data can be shared and the possibility of improper use by people with authorized access. Moving the equipment beyond state-owned roadway property could allow departments to comply with FDOT’s specific order while making little apparent change to the roads their cameras monitor.