Release from Gainesville Police Department
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Gainesville Police Chief Nelson Moya has ordered a suspension of the department’s automated license plate reader program for cameras installed along city rights-of-way, the devices commonly referred to as Flock cameras. The move comes after Gov. Ron DeSantis announced Monday that license plate reader cameras would be removed from state rights-of-way.
“Automated license plate readers have unequivocally been one of our best public safety tools in recent years, and, because of this technology, we have solved countless crimes, including homicides, sexual assaults, recovered missing people, and brought to justice those who have harmed our community. While we believe that we have strong policies and safeguards in place governing the use of these cameras, and regularly inspect the system to ensure compliance, we recognize the unilateral wave of community concerns regarding privacy and individual rights,” Chief Moya said. “Our responsibility is to be good stewards of the community we serve and, above all, to maintain the public’s trust. After careful consideration, I believe suspending the use of these cameras is in the best interest of our community while we continue to monitor any potential legislative efforts at the state and federal level in the hope that it brings greater transparency regarding the use of this technology, and, for us here in Gainesville, to garner support from our community in its use.”
The Gainesville Police Department said it understands that automated license plate reader technology has sparked a range of views across the city. Officials said the agency will continue engaging with residents and community partners as it works to balance crime-fighting needs with privacy, civil liberties and public trust.
Drivers may still notice license plate reader cameras along certain roadways. However, GPD said its cameras were deactivated and are no longer in use by the department as of 3 p.m. on Sept. 3, 2026.
Police emphasized that the pause on automated license plate readers does not change the department’s use of other investigative tools and technologies. Body-worn cameras, officials said, remain a key part of GPD’s transparency efforts and continue to strengthen cases developed by officers. The department said it will keep reviewing its resources and procedures to ensure it can respond effectively to crime and protect the Gainesville community.
