HERNANDO COUNTY – The Hernando County Sheriff’s Office will remove Flock cameras from county rights-of-way in compliance with a director from the Florida Department of Transportation, the agency said on Monday, Aug. 31.
“On Monday, Aug. 31, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) issued a directive revoking existing permits for Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) cameras -- commonly referred to by the brand name ‘Flock cameras’ -- installed within state highway rights-of-way. FDOT has directed law enforcement agencies statewide to remove these devices within 30 days,” the Sheriff’s Office said in a media release. “In response, the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office will fully comply with FDOT’s timeline. Prior to this state directive, the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office had already proactively initiated the removal of Flock ALPR cameras previously located along county-maintained rights-of-way.”
In previous testimony to the County Commission, Hernando County Sheriff Al Nienhuis has said that the Flock cameras have been used to help his agency solve crimes while respecting the privacy of citizens.
Citizens have used the forum of public comments during County Commission meetings to tell commissioners that the cameras could be used to spy on residents and pointed to incidents in other municipalities where there has been illegal use of the cameras’ data to track law enforcement officers’ significant others.
The company and law enforcement agencies have insisted that there are rules in place governing the use of data gathered by the cameras.
In a March public forum (https://www.tampabaybeacons.com/2026/03/16/fears-of-police-state-surveillance-aired-at-license-plate-reader-workshop/) the issue was debated, with 10 of 12 commenters expressing opposition to the cameras.
Private use still allowed
”This removal applies strictly to public right-of-way installations and does not affect the approximately 20 privately owned and operated ALPR cameras located on commercial properties and private developments throughout Hernando County,” the Sheriff’s Office said. “While HCSO is adhering strictly to FDOT’s permitting guidelines, our agency remains steadfast in protecting our citizens, solving crimes, and supporting our deputies in the field.”