ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. — It’s been three days since the Florida Department of Transportation released a memo revoking all approved permits for License Plate Reader cameras (LPR’s) in the right-of-way on the state highway system…those would include the controversial Flock cameras that have drawn widespread privacy concerns.
And while many local law enforcement agencies said they’d be removing the cameras, we still haven’t heard directly from the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office on the matter.
But County Commissioners have.
“I did maybe the others all received a message from Sheriff Hardwick that he did commit to following the state with that as well so it looks like our cameras will be coming down in our county as well,” said Commissioner Ann Taylor, Vice Chair of the St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners.
Action News Jax got a copy of that text message Sheriff Hardwick sent to County Commissioners about this.
It reads:
“Good morning, Commissioner, just an update on our LPRs. The total amount spent on LPR technology in FY2026 was $908k; however, only $481k was spent out of our budget; the remainder was covered with grant funding.
“We are going to comply with the recent FDOT directive. We have been using LPR technology since 2017, so we have some procedural adjustments we are working through now. I’m in contact with our Senator and three Representatives; you will be pleased with the outcome. More to follow.
As always, don’t hesitate to reach out. Thank you for your support.”
We reached out to the Sheriff’s office and asked what he means by “more to follow,” and if all of the LPR’s will be removed or just the ones on state highways.
They haven’t responded to Action News Jax’s emails or phone calls directly, but on Wednesday, shortly after we aired this story, the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office posted a statement on social media.
County Commissioners had differing opinions on this issue.
“I am glad that definitely our residents have been heard on this,” said Commissioner Taylor.
“I think it’s a blow to public safety; I think we’re going to pay the price for that,” said Commissioner Clay Murphy (District 3).
The FDOT memo says law enforcement agencies have 30 days to remove the LPR’s.
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