Florida Statute 316.0777 authorizes automated license plate readers for law enforcement and limits data retention to three years for non-evidentiary scans. Miami Police operate fixed and mobile ALPRs across city streets and ports of entry.
FS 316.0777, enacted in 2014 and amended in 2022, governs ALPR use by Florida law enforcement. Agencies must purge plate data unrelated to active investigations within three years and disclose annual usage statistics. The Miami Police Department operates fixed Vigilant and Flock cameras on major arterials plus mobile units in patrol cars. Data feeds to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement's Computerized Criminal Information system. Private homeowner-association ALPRs face no specific regulation but must comply with general FS 934 wiretap and FS 810.145 video voyeurism laws when imaging extends beyond plates. Miami has no separate municipal ALPR ordinance.
Unauthorized officer access to ALPR data triggers FDLE discipline plus computer-trespass charges under FS 815.06. Civilians cannot access ALPR databases. Misuse of private ALPRs for stalking supports charges under FS 784.048 with up to one year prison.
See how Miami's license plate readers rules stack up against other locations.
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