Pinellas County Commissioners Defer Vote on License Plate Camera Removal

Pinellas County commissioners voted Tuesday to postpone a decision on whether to remove automated license plate cameras from county roads.

The county commission tabled the discussion, citing a need for clear guidance from state lawmakers before proceeding. This action keeps the cameras, including Flock systems, in place along unincorporated county roads for the time being. The delay is intended to wait for the Florida legislative session scheduled for next year.

Residents have expressed concern over the technology, often seeking consistent rules across the state. Paul Merola, a resident of Tarpon Springs, noted that while the cameras serve a purpose, other agencies are ending similar programs. “There’s no doubt in my mind that they can be used for good, but when I see other sheriffs and other law enforcement agencies and other commissions ending their programs, it tells me it’s not a 100% slam dunk,” Merola said.

Commissioner David Eggers stated that inconsistencies in current practices prompted the postponement. “One of the issues that we continue to hear is, you know, there’s inconsistencies,” Eggers said. “Maybe we should get out of it, let the state set policies and then revisit it.”

Sheriff Bob Gualtieri of the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office defended the use of the devices. He told the board that there are just under 300 cameras across the county. Gualtieri explained that if a local ordinance restricted the cameras, he would move them to other areas within the county. He expressed confidence that the state Legislature will prioritize regulations. “I can’t state that strongly enough. I mean, 1,000%, 1,000,000%, they are going to do something,” Gualtieri said. “There is no question about it, and they should. And like I told you when I was here last time, I support that because we have to have consistent guardrails.”

Commissioner Vince Nowicki, who initially placed the item on the agenda, preferred local action over waiting for the state. “It’s interesting that folks agree something needs to get done, but nobody wants to do anything,” Nowicki said.

The commissioners are scheduled to discuss their legislative priorities at a meeting next month.