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South Florida mayors challenge FDOT order to remove license plate readers
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has ordered the removal of automated license plate readers (LPRs) from state-run roads and highways within a 30-day deadline. This decision follows growing national scrutiny regarding privacy concerns and the potential misuse of location data collected by companies such as Flock Safety.
In response, Miami Beach Mayor Steven Meiner has led a coalition of South Florida mayors—including leaders from Aventura, Sunny Isles Beach, and Bay Harbor Islands—in a letter to Governor Ron DeSantis and FDOT Secretary Jared Perdue. The mayors are requesting an immediate pause on the removal deadline and a formal process that would allow municipalities to continue using the technology under strict oversight, auditing, and data-governance requirements.
Mayor Meiner argued that the removal of these cameras would significantly impact public safety, noting that approximately half of Miami Beach’s 40 license plate readers are located on state roads. He stated that the technology is vital for law enforcement to track violent criminals, recover stolen vehicles, and locate missing persons. Meiner has also expressed intentions to introduce local legislation to maintain municipal control over these roadways.
Entities
Flock Safety · Florida Department of Transportation · Miami Beach · Ron DeSantis · Steven Meiner
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] License plate readers assist law enforcement in tracing violent criminals, recovering stolen property, and locating missing persons. vinnews.com · www.miaminewtimes.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Mayor Meiner intends to introduce local legislation to regain control over municipal roads. www.miaminewtimes.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Miami Beach Mayor Steven Meiner led a group of South Florida mayors in a letter to Governor Ron DeSantis and FDOT Secretary Jared Perdue. vinnews.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Approximately half of Miami Beach’s 40 license plate readers are located on state roads.
- [● 3 SOURCES] The Florida Department of Transportation revoked permits for automated license plate readers on state roads. vinnews.com · www.miaminewtimes.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Municipalities have 30 days to remove the license plate reader technology from state roads. vinnews.com · www.miaminewtimes.com