A new poll shows that most people in Texas do not want automatic license plate readers in their neighborhoods. 63. The Daily Caller reported that 6% of Texans either somewhat or strongly oppose Flock cameras in their area. This data comes from a survey of 1,167 people conducted between August 24 and 26. The results show that opposition cuts across party lines, though Democrats oppose the tech more than Republicans.
Even among those who call themselves “very conservative,” more than half oppose the devices. The poll found that 56.9% of very conservative Texans are against the cameras. This number is high enough to make local leaders think twice before installing them. The full report from Overton Insights and the Texas Public Policy Foundation will be released on Wednesday.
While voters speak, state leaders are already moving to stop the funding. Republican Gov. Greg Abbott directed all state agencies in Texas to halt funding for these cameras. After a report showed a state agency granted at least $30 million to local police for the devices, this order was issued. Abbott’s spokesperson told the Texas Tribune that most funding comes from the federal government.
He added that state funds cannot be used for these cameras if they come from Texas agencies. “To the extent that cities get any funding for those cameras, most of it comes from the federal government,” the spokesperson said. Those agencies are clarifying that any funds originating from Texas agencies cannot be used for Flock cameras to the extent such funding exists.
🎥WATCH: @reaganreese_ asked President Trump about his stance on Flock cameras.
“It’s being studied right now… We’ll have an answer sort of as to our views on it over the next couple of weeks.” pic.twitter.com/8sGmzBdjPe
— Daily Caller (@DailyCaller) August 17, 2026
Florida is moving even faster. Gov. Ron DeSantis ordered the removal of these cameras from all state roads by Monday. All permits for the devices were revoked by The Florida Department of Transportation. State officials said the cameras must be gone within 30 days. DeSantis warned that he does not want the state to become a “surveillance state.” He called the current use of the technology “out of control.”
The issue is spreading to other states as well. In Pennsylvania, Republican nominee Stacy Garrity called the cameras an “intrusive invasion of privacy.” Her Democratic rival, Gov. Josh Shapiro, said he would welcome legislation to ban them. Shapiro mentioned that the Pennsylvania State Police do not utilize the devices. Both candidates agree the technology has become a problem for voters.
After a question from The Daily Caller on August 17, President Donald Trump addressed the topic. He said the White House is looking at the pros and cons. “It’s being studied right now,” Trump told the reporter. “You have pros and cons, right? It’s being studied right now.” He promised a decision soon. “We’ll have an answer as to our views on it over the next couple of weeks,” he added.
Local police in Jacksonville, Florida, said they will comply with the state order. Sheriff T.K. Waters announced the removal of cameras throughout the city. Some residents worry this will make it harder to solve crimes. One person on social media noted that stopping the cameras will have “pros and cons.” The American Civil Liberties Union says between 80,000 and 100,000 of these cameras are scanning license plates across the U.S. right now.
