Private Plate Scanners Continue Operating in Florida Despite State Shutdown
Florida's shutdown of automated license plate readers (ALPRs) on state roads has not affected all ALPR cameras. A memo from the Florida Department of Transportation only applies to law enforcement use, leaving private and toll cameras active.
The Home Depot store in Cape Coral uses Flock cameras to track drivers, sparking a federal class-action lawsuit accusing the retailer of secretly sharing driver information with law enforcement. The company denies allegations and says it uses ALPRs for theft prevention and security enhancement.
Cape Coral Police Chief Anthony Sizemore states that private property owners have control over their own cameras, and law enforcement cannot access them without permission.
Toll-by-plate technology and parking lot cameras in Lee County are unaffected by the shutdown. The county installed 18 cameras at popular beaches and parks last year, fining drivers who do not pay or leave within 15 minutes.