Sheriff Halts License Plate Readers | Gainesville News

Gainesville News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · Sep 1, 2026 · 1m

Putnam County Sheriff H.D. “Gator” DeLoach is shutting down all 18 of his department’s Flock-style license plate readers, joining a statewide trend led by Governor Ron DeSantis. Citing privacy concerns and the absence of clear regulations, the sheriff pauses use of the tech—despite its past success in locating missing persons, suspects, and trafficking victims—until Florida lawmakers establish proper oversight. He stresses this isn’t a critique of his deputies or the technology’s potential, but a necessary step to align rapid innovation with public expectations. Bradford County Sheriff Gordon…