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License-plate readers · Marion County

Marion County

Using license-plate readers · 2 agencies documented

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Marion County Sheriff's Office

Status
Using license-plate readers
Vendors
Vendor not named in source
Cameras
Count not documented
Count not stated; in August 2026 an MCSO spokesperson said he "cannot give" answers on the countywide LPR count, capabilities or software (Ocala Gazette)
  1. July 27, 2026 Deputies used license plate reader technology to track the vehicle of Jason Castillo, 45, accused of kidnapping a 13-year-old girl; the pursuit ended in an officer-involved shooting in Belleview in which Castillo was killed. Sheriff Billy Woods credited an LPR and a citizen with the rescue and said, "LPRs is an asset to every law enforcement in this nation." (FOX 35 Orlando, July 28, 2026; Ocala Gazette, Aug. 18, 2026)
  2. Aug. 2026 Asked by the Ocala Gazette for the countywide LPR count, capabilities and software used, an MCSO spokesperson said he "cannot give" answers. (Ocala Gazette, Aug. 18, 2026)
  3. Sept. 1, 2026 Will remove readers on state roads as ordered but will not remove other cameras at this time. (WCJB TV20, Sept. 1, 2026; Citrus County Chronicle, date not shown)
  4. Sept. 30, 2026 Spectrum News reported the office had moved its license plate readers off state roads. (Spectrum News 13, Sept. 30, 2026)
Conflicts and open questions
  • Vendor and count still unknown; MCSO declined to provide them to the Ocala Gazette. Chapter 119 request needed.
  • Search caution: 'Marion County Sheriff' + Flock results are dominated by Marion County, W.Va. ($238,600 two-year Flock contract, July 2026) and Marion County, Ohio; these are not the Florida agency.

Reported by news outlets; agency records not yet obtained.

Ocala Police Department

Status
Using license-plate readers
Vendors
Motorola Solutions
Cameras
68
"68 License Plate Readers (LPRs) at 23 locations using Vigilant software" per OPD PIO Jeffrey Walczak (Ocala Gazette, Aug. 18, 2026); fixed/mobile split not stated
  1. Aug. 18, 2026 OPD spokesman Jeffrey Walczak: "The Ocala Police Department operates 68 License Plate Readers (LPRs) at 23 locations using Vigilant software." He said the cameras are not constantly monitored, check plates against NCIC/FCIC, officers must confirm a match before acting, access is limited to trained personnel, and the Office of Professional Standards audits use regularly. (Ocala Gazette, Aug. 18, 2026)
  2. Aug. 19, 2026 352today reported the City of Ocala uses a license plate reader system from Vigilant, a Motorola company. A resident raised concerns at the Aug. 4, 2026 city council meeting. (352today, Aug. 19, 2026)
  3. Sept. 2026 Citrus County Chronicle (post-FDOT-order article) reported Ocala operates a reader system provided by Motorola-owned Vigilant; no removal plan reported. No post-order statement from OPD was found. (Citrus County Chronicle, date not shown)

Reported by news outlets; agency records not yet obtained.

Statewide

  1. Aug. 31, 2026 The Florida Department of Transportation revoked permits and ordered all automated license-plate readers off state roads within 30 days. Gov. Ron DeSantis: "I don't want to have this become a surveillance state." (Axios Tampa Bay, Sept. 1, 2026; WUSF, Sept. 2, 2026)
  2. Sept. 30, 2026 The 30-day deadline for removing license-plate readers from state roads passed. (Florida Phoenix, Sept. 30, 2026)