Gov. Ron DeSantis, critical of license plate readers, has blocked their use on state roads, warning the cameras could create a “surveillance state.”

But in the past year, DeSantis has approved approximately $4.6 million in requests from local law enforcement agencies for license plate readers in connection with their illegal immigration enforcement efforts. Not all of the money has been disbursed.

In 2025, DeSantis asked lawmakers to set aside $250 million for local police for funding related to illegal immigration enforcement, including overtime for officers who participate in operations with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. So far, about $147 million of that money has been approved for grants, but only $21 million has been disbursed.