Florida Kicked Flock Cameras Off State Roads, Then Police Found A Pretty Obvious Loophole

Key Takeaways

• Florida ordered license plate readers removed from state highway rights-of-way.
• Longboat Key police plan to relocate cameras onto town or private property.
• Officials say nothing prevents those cameras from watching the exact same highway.
• Agencies were given 30 days to remove affected equipment, after which FDOT could remove it itself.
• The FDOT ruling didn’t make the cameras illegal in other places.

What’s the situation with Flock cameras in Florida?

Florida made headlines last month when it ordered automated license plate readers off state highways amid growing concerns over privacy and misuse. As we pointed out at the time, the state didn’t actually ban the cameras or stop police from monitoring those roads. Now at least one department appears to have found a simple workaround. Keep the cameras but move them a few feet onto land that isn’t owned by the state. Then, point them right back at the same road.

How are police responding to the FDOT order?

The situation is playing out in Longboat Key, where the Florida Department of Transportation’s order threatens cameras positioned along Gulf of Mexico Drive, otherwise known as State Road 789. According to Your Observer, town officials have concluded that the cameras can simply be relocated outside FDOT’s right-of-way. Better yet, they can apparently continue watching the same road.

What are the implications of relocating the cameras?

Town Attorney Maggie Mooney said there is nothing in the state’s order preventing a camera located outside the state highway right-of-way from pointing toward the highway. Police Chief Russ Mager said the department is now working with Flock to relocate the affected cameras onto town property or, with permission, private property. Once there, they’ll remain pointed at Gulf of Mexico Drive.

How does this relate to other departments in Florida?

Agencies were given 30 days to remove affected equipment, after which FDOT could remove it itself. Again, the FDOT ruling didn’t make the cameras illegal in other places. Longboat Key appears ready to take full advantage of that distinction. And it doesn’t seem to be alone in the use of this loophole. A newly posted video from Florida Cracker News Network appears to show a Polk County Sheriff’s Office Flock camera positioned just beyond the right-of-way along State Road 60.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q? What is the FDOT order about?

The FDOT order requires the removal of automated license plate readers from state highway rights-of-way.

Q? Can the cameras still be used?

Yes, the cameras can still be used, but they need to be relocated outside the state highway right-of-way.

Q? What are the implications of relocating the cameras?

The relocated cameras can still watch the same road, and the FDOT ruling didn’t make the cameras illegal in other places.