Collier County Sheriff Kevin Rambosk has ordered the removal of 72 license plate readers from state roads and rights-of-way. This action follows a Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) mandate issued on August 31, directing all automated license plate readers (ALPRs), including those from vendors like Flock Safety, to be removed within 30 days. As Yahoo News reported, this decision means both fixed and mobile readers operating on state property in Collier County will be gone by next month.
For drivers in Collier County, this means fewer ALPRs will be actively scanning vehicle license plates on major state routes. However, some cameras will remain. The Marco Island Police Department, for instance, stated it would keep its ALPRs because they are located exclusively on city-controlled roads, not state property. This situation highlights how local camera presence can vary even within a single county, and drivers can always check our /map for the latest reported locations.
What does this mean for existing cameras in Collier County?
Collier County Sheriff Kevin Rambosk confirmed the removal of 72 cameras to comply with the FDOT directive. The Sheriff's Office had installed 127 cameras since 2025. After the removal, 55 cameras will remain operational on non-state roads and rights-of-way. These remaining cameras will continue to be used for criminal investigations and locating missing persons.
Sheriff Rambosk provided an update on September 8, stating the county would comply with the 30-day removal rule. He noted that the cameras have been used to:
- Locate over 500 missing or endangered persons this year.
- Gather information for multiple major crime investigations, including homicides.
He also emphasized that deputies receive specific training on data access and usage to protect privacy, with data typically deleted within 14 days. The Sheriff's Office also conducts monthly internal compliance investigations.
What's the wider impact of the FDOT order?
The FDOT's directive has led to widespread changes across Florida. More than two dozen of Florida's 67 counties have either deactivated or suspended their license plate reader networks following the order. This statewide action came after Governor Ron DeSantis publicly criticized the rapid expansion of ALPR networks, calling them "out of control" during an August 26 press conference. He expressed concerns that the quick adoption warranted public concern.
For drivers, this means a significant reduction in ALPR coverage on state highways throughout Florida. However, it does not necessarily mean a complete absence of these cameras, as local jurisdictions may maintain cameras on non-state-controlled roads. The Collier County Sheriff's Office is also working with the Florida Sheriff's Association to draft state legislation that would establish rules and policies for ALPR use, aiming to balance privacy protection with law enforcement needs. This legislative effort is the next concrete step in shaping the future of ALPR use in Florida.