MIAMI (VINnews) – Several South Florida mayors have joined Miami Beach Mayor Steven Meiner in a letter urging Florida officials to reconsider a decision requiring the removal of automated license plate readers from state roads.
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Meiner initiated the letter to Gov. Ron DeSantis and Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Jared Perdue after FDOT revoked permits for license plate reader systems on roads within the State Highway System and ordered the technology removed within 30 days.
The mayors argue that the blanket removal could undermine public safety while failing to address privacy concerns in a targeted way.
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In the letter, Meiner called for an immediate pause on the 30-day deadline and urged the state to establish a formal process allowing municipalities to continue using license plate readers under enhanced oversight, auditing and data-governance requirements.
“Miami Beach shares the Department’s respect for the privacy rights of Florida residents and visitors,” Meiner wrote, while warning that a blanket revocation without a transition plan could punish cities that have established safeguards for the technology.
Miami Beach officials say license plate readers have helped police trace vehicles connected to violent crimes, recover stolen vehicles and property, locate missing or vulnerable people and identify suspects in serious offenses.
Meiner also asked state officials to include municipal leaders and local law enforcement in discussions as the Legislature considers statewide regulations for the technology.
The letter was signed by Meiner and the mayors of Bay Harbor Islands, Bal Harbour Village, Aventura, Sunny Isles Beach, Golden Beach and Indian Creek Village.
The push comes as Florida officials face growing scrutiny over automated license plate readers, including concerns about how the data is collected, retained and shared. At the same time, law enforcement agencies have defended the technology as an important investigative tool.
Meiner said the goal is to establish stronger accountability rather than eliminate the technology altogether, arguing that Florida can protect residents’ privacy while preserving tools that help police investigate serious crimes.
Outside criminals would have an easier time doing their crime where there are no cameras. With the growing radicalization in America there is bound to be an increase of attacks on normal citizens. Getting license plates does not infringe on privacy after all the city contains all drivers info anyway. This idea of removal is supported by lefty radicals who want to be able to create riots while they march or loot in quiet areas.
Government cannot be trusted. THese cameras must be taken down now.