Tampa Police Department announced Tuesday that it will remove 17 automated license plate reader cameras located on state highway rights-of-way within 30 days, complying with a Florida Department of Transportation directive. The department said the devices have supported 622 arrests, 485 vehicle recoveries, 68 firearm recoveries and 14 missing‑person locates since 2021, and that access is limited to investigators with a legitimate law enforcement need.

The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office is conducting a review of its ALPR installations to determine whether any devices are situated on state‑controlled rights‑of‑way. A public relations coordinator for the sheriff’s office said the office will remove any cameras found within those areas in accordance with the state memorandum.

Florida Department of Transportation revoked general‑use permits for ALPRs on state highway rights‑of‑way and required local agencies to remove affected equipment within 30 days. The action follows Governor Ron DeSantis’ public criticism of extensive license‑plate reader networks and concerns that such technology could track individuals not suspected of wrongdoing.

Tampa’s decision marks an early implementation of the state’s restrictions, while Hillsborough County continues to assess the scope of its ALPR network.