Miami‑Dade County law‑enforcement announced Tuesday that all license‑plate‑reader (LPR) cameras operating on Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) roadways will be shut down by the end of the day. Sheriff Rosie Cordero‑Stutz confirmed the county’s LPR program is being suspended pending new guidance.
State directive drives the shutdown
FDOT issued a memo on Monday withdrawing the authority for local agencies to use LPR systems on state‑maintained roads. The memo, signed by FDOT chief operating officer Will Watts, cited a rapid increase in camera deployments, reports of misuse, and growing privacy concerns. Watts warned that continued use could threaten Floridians’ “sovereignty and quality of life.”
Governor backs privacy protections
Governor Ron DeSantis, who has recently expressed skepticism about the technology, reiterated his stance at a press event in Jacksonville. He argued that while law‑enforcement needs tools to target criminals, a statewide surveillance network could be abused for commercial profiling or create a “surveillance state.” DeSantis recalled the COVID‑19 lockdowns, suggesting that similar camera use could have been used to track citizens who violated stay‑at‑home orders.
Sheriff defends the technology’s benefits
In her statement, Sheriff Cordero‑Stutz emphasized that LPR cameras have been instrumental in apprehending murderers, robbers, and in locating missing children. She said the department will continue to advocate for the resources deputies need to protect the community, but stressed that any technology must be paired with clear policies, strong oversight, transparency, and rigorous auditing to safeguard constitutional rights and privacy.
What the shutdown means for local policing
With the FDOT order, Miami‑Dade law‑enforcement must remove the cameras from state roadways within 30 days and will not receive new permits for future deployments. The sheriff’s office will still retain any LPR equipment it operates on county‑owned property, but those systems will also be reviewed for compliance with privacy standards.
The move reflects a broader statewide debate over the balance between public‑safety technology and individual liberty. Advocates for the cameras argue they provide critical investigative leads, while privacy groups warn of data‑collection overreach and potential abuse. Miami‑Dade officials say the suspension is a precautionary step, not a permanent abandonment of the technology.
Community response
Local residents expressed mixed reactions. Some parents welcomed the pause, citing concerns about tracking children’s movements, while others worried that removing the cameras could hinder investigations into violent crime. The sheriff’s office has pledged to hold a public forum next month to gather input and discuss possible safeguards should the program be reinstated.
As Florida continues to grapple with the tension between cutting‑edge law‑enforcement tools and constitutional protections, Miami‑Dade’s decision underscores the importance of local officials listening to both safety needs and privacy concerns.
Original reporting: NBC6 Miami — read the source article.
