ORLANDO, Fla. – They are designed to watch the roads, track vehicles and help law enforcement investigate crimes.
But Flock cameras are increasingly becoming targets themselves — as critics question privacy, accountability and how the technology is being used across Florida.
The debate is now reaching the campaign trail, with candidates for Florida governor taking different positions on the controversial license-plate reader system.
What are Flock cameras?
Flock Safety is a private company that provides automated license plate recognition technology. Its cameras capture a vehicle’s license plate along with information such as the vehicle’s make, model and color.
The system also records the time, date and location associated with a vehicle and stores that information for a limited period.
The stated goal is to help law enforcement identify vehicles connected to crimes.
But critics argue the technology creates a widespread surveillance network that can track where people drive — raising concerns about privacy and how that information is accessed and shared.
Christopher Heath, News 6 manager and investigative reporter, says there have also been instances of law enforcement officers misusing surveillance systems.
“Time and time again we are seeing police have gotten into the Flock system to track down their significant other’s ex boyfriend,” Heath said.
Pushback and Vandalism
The concerns have moved beyond online debate.
In Port Orange, residents have taken matters into their own hands, cutting down Flock cameras installed along roadways.
Other incidents have made headlines outside Florida, including a 19-year-old in Jacksonville accused of spray-painting a camera.
There have also been reports of people using an electric saw to damage a Flock camera in New York and someone in Idaho ramming a camera with a truck.
The acts of vandalism have sparked another question: How far should residents go when they oppose government surveillance?=
While critics say they want accountability and transparency, damaging or destroying cameras can result in criminal charges.
Where the candidates for FL Governor stand?
The Flock camera debate is also becoming an issue in Florida’s 2026 Republican and Democratic gubernatorial races.
Republican James Fishback opposes Flock cameras, putting him on the side of voters who argue the technology threatens privacy.
Republican Byron Donalds also opposes the technology, making opposition to Flock cameras a position shared by two of the leading Republican candidates.
Lt. Gov. Jay Collins supports Flock cameras, arguing the technology can be a useful tool for law enforcement.
Democrat David Jolly takes a more moderate position. He has indicated that he believes guardrails are necessary around the technology, but does not support an outright ban.
That leaves Florida voters weighing a broader question as they consider the next governor: How much surveillance is acceptable in the name of public safety — and what safeguards should be in place to prevent abuse?
As Flock cameras continue to spread across Florida, the fight over them is no longer just about technology. It is becoming a debate over privacy, policing, government accountability and the limits of surveillance.