Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco announced Wednesday that his department will terminate its agreement to use Automated License Plate Recognition cameras (APLRs), as well as Flock cameras, in public areas.
In a letter to the Pasco County Board of County Commissioners, Nocco said the agency will end the interlocal agreement that was passed in 2024 after feeling the Board of County Commissioners were no longer supportive of Flock camera use.
“It is clear to me from the discussion at the last two meetings that I have listened to of the Board of County Commissioners on Aug. 11 and Aug. 25 that a majority of the Board of County Commissioners no longer support this agreement which you passed unanimously on December 10, 2024,” said Sheriff Nocco in the letter.
“Please know that the majority of the Board of County Commissioner’s lack of support for this agreement will impact the solvability of crimes and our ability to locate missing and endangered children and adults, including the victims of human trafficking. This will also cause a strain on the Sheriff’s Office already limited resources.”
Pasco County Sheriff’s Office currently leases roughly 70 Flock cameras.
The sheriff’s department, after hearing County Board of Commissioners concerns over Flock cameras, decided to cancel its contract on Sept. 30.
Although the interlocal agreement between the two agencies will be dissolved, the cancellation would not stop private residences or companies from being able to use this technology on their property.
The Pasco County Board of Commissioners convened to hear residents’ concerns over a partnership between ALPR software being used by the sheriff’s office. The Pasco County Board wanted to set up a committee to further review, deciding to move forward with its partnership.
“I think taking our time on this and getting it right is critical, and like the moratorium on data centers was well respected and well received by our citizens,” said Pasco County Commissioner Jack Mariano in the Aug. 25 commissioner meeting. “I think if we take our time and look at this and make the right decision, then I think it’s the right way to go.”
Privacy concerns over Flock cameras, which use AI technology to track and store information in a massive database that allows access by policing agencies, have been a talking point across the country.
Some residents across Florida have taken responsibility into their own hands to protest the use of Flock cameras, like 77-year-old Carl Gunn, who gained national attention after holding up a pool skimmer attached with a sign that read, “Down With Flock Cameras,” facing the makeshift sign in front of the camera.
Gov. Ron DeSantis came out earlier this week to say he draws a line with Flock camera systems being used to automatically ticket individuals without a police officer’s presence.
“I’m all about having law enforcement have tools to be able to hold criminals accountable, ” Gov. DeSantis said at a press event at Florida International University. “I think that’s important that we do that. And no one’s been stronger on law enforcement than me. But I don’t want to have this become a surveillance state.”
Concerns over privacy have stemmed from law enforcement agencies’ misuses of Flock databases, resulting in cities nationwide cancelling their contract with the license plate reading company.
Last month, a Haines City police officer was arrested for misuse of the Flock camera database after being caught tracking his estranged wife’s car with over 700 inquiries between Sept. 1, 2024, and June 30, 2026.
So far this year, 100 cities have cancelled or deactivated Flock camera contracts, according to the DeFlock advocacy group.
Pitch in to help make the Tampa Bay Journalism Project a success.
Subscribe to Creative Loafing newsletters.
Follow us: Google News | NewsBreak | Reddit | Instagram | Facebook | BlueSky
This article appears in Aug. 27 – Sept. 02, 2026.