Pembroke Pines, Florida

Miami Beach is pushing back against Gov. Ron DeSantis' order to remove license plate reader cameras from state roads, exploring a workaround that would relocate the devices to private property such as hotels and condominiums. The state gave local jurisdictions until the end of the month to comply, and Miami-Dade County and Pembroke Pines have said they will follow the order, while Miami Beach is charting a different course.

Mayor Steven Meiner signed a letter with other mayors urging the governor to reconsider, saying privacy concerns can be balanced with crime deterrence. Police Chief Wayne Jones said the department has used the cameras since 2013 without reported misuse, citing a case where a tag number helped officers capture an armed suspect within hours. Homeowners on the Venetian Islands already fund private Flock cameras for similar reasons.

Not all city commissioners are on board: Commissioner David Suarez wants civilian oversight of the data rather than leaving control solely with police. Jones is set to present additional safeguards to the commission on Oct. 14.

Miami Beach is looking for a workaround to Governor Ron DeSantis's order requiring removal of license plate reader cameras from state roads by the end of the month. Rather than shutting down the program, the city is exploring moving the cameras onto private property, such as hotels and condominiums that have volunteered to host them. Miami-Dade County and Pembroke Pines have said they will comply with the governor's order, but Miami Beach Mayor Steven Meiner signed a letter with other local mayors urging DeSantis to reconsider, arguing privacy concerns can be balanced with crime deterrence.

Police Chief Wayne Jones said the department has used the cameras since 2013 without reported misuse, citing a recent case where a plate number helped officers track down an armed suspect within hours. Some homeowners, including on the Venetian Islands, already pay for private camera systems. Not all city commissioners are convinced; Commissioner David Suarez wants civilian oversight of the data rather than leaving control solely to police. Jones is set to present additional safeguards to the commission on October 14.