# DeSantis Calls Flock Cameras Out of Control, Urges Overhaul
*Florida Governor Ron DeSantis warns against a surveillance state as he pushes for stricter regulations on license plate reader technology used by local law enforcement.*

- Medio: Orlando Ledger News (https://orlandoledgernews.com)
- URL: https://orlandoledgernews.com/noticia/desantis-calls-flock-cameras-out-of-control-urges-overhaul
- Sección: Society
- Autor: Orlando Ledger News Staff
- Publicado: 2026-08-27T07:11:18.287Z
> Gov. Ron DeSantis calls Flock camera technology out of control, warning against a surveillance state while calling for reforms in how law enforcement uses license plate readers.

## Las claves

- Governor Ron DeSantis criticizes current use of Flock cameras
- Technology now used beyond toll collection for criminal surveillance
- DeSantis urges overhaul to prevent 'surveillance state'

Orlando, FL — Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has publicly criticized the expanding use of Flock camera systems and automated license plate readers (ALPRs), describing the current deployment as "out of control." Speaking on August 26, 2026, the governor emphasized that while he supports law enforcement tools that help hold criminals accountable, he is concerned about the technology's evolution into a pervasive surveillance network.

### Concerns Over Surveillance State

In his statement, DeSantis noted that the technology has evolved significantly beyond its original purposes. Initially designed for functions such as toll collection and traffic management, these cameras are now widely utilized by police departments and sheriff’s offices across Florida for criminal surveillance. The governor expressed a clear boundary regarding this shift.

"I think these cameras, the license plate readers, I think it’s out of control," DeSantis said. He added that his support for law enforcement does not extend to allowing technology to create what he described as a "surveillance state." This stance highlights a growing tension between public safety objectives and civil liberties concerns regarding data privacy and government monitoring capabilities, a story we covered in [Florida AG Uthmeier Criticizes Property Tax Amendment Transparency](/noticia/florida-ag-uthmeier-criticizes-property-tax-amendment-transparency).

### Impact on Local Law Enforcement

The governor’s comments come at a time when many local agencies in Central Florida, including those in Orange County and surrounding areas, rely heavily on ALPR technology to track vehicles linked to crimes. Flock cameras, operated by private companies like Geotab, collect vast amounts of data on vehicle movements which can be accessed by law enforcement partners, according to [DeSantis Addresses First Double Execution Since 1964](https://civiccoastnews.com/noticia/desantis-addresses-first-double-execution-since-1964).

DeSantis urged an overhaul of how this system is regulated and used. While he did not outline specific legislative changes in the initial remarks, his call for reform signals potential shifts in state policy regarding digital privacy and police powers. Local officials may need to reassess their data retention policies and access protocols in response to these concerns, as reported by [Civic Coast](https://civiccoastnews.com/noticia/florida-attorney-general-criticizes-flagrant-foul-in-wnba-game-cites-safety-stan).

### Balancing Safety and Privacy

The governor’s position reflects a broader national debate over the role of automated surveillance in modern policing. By stating he is "all about having law enforcement have tools," DeSantis acknowledges the utility of ALPRs in solving crimes. However, his warning against unchecked expansion suggests that future regulations may impose stricter limits on data collection and usage.

As Florida moves forward with this potential overhaul, residents and local authorities alike will be watching closely to see how the state balances effective crime-solving tools with protections against excessive government monitoring. The outcome of this policy shift could set a precedent for other states grappling with similar technological advancements in law enforcement.
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Fuente original: https://orlandoledgernews.com/noticia/desantis-calls-flock-cameras-out-of-control-urges-overhaul