The Florida Department of Transportation on Monday blocked automated license plate reader cameras from being installed throughout the state highway system.

The department’s memo means Flock camera systems must be removed from the state highway system within the next 30 days, but it will not impact local or county rights-of-way, where most ALPRs operate.  As nationwide debate builds over Flock systems, officials said the order is warranted to “preserve Florida’s sovereignty and quality of life,” citing the “recent exponential increase in deployments along our roadways, coupled with concerning reports of misuse, data privacy concerns, and surveillance schemes.”