License Plate Readers

Pursuant to section 316.0777(2)(b), Florida Statutes, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) may approve the installation of an automated license plate recognition (LPR) system, also known as a license plate reader, within the right-of-way, as defined in section 334.03(21), Florida, Statutes, of a road on the State Highway System at the request of a law enforcement agency. LPR installations must be authorized through a General Use Permit in accordance with Rule 14-20.010 of the Florida Administrative Code. The following criteria applies to LPR permit applications:

  • The permit applicant must be a Law Enforcement Agency as defined in section 316.0777(2)(a), Florida Statutes. However, an application may be submitted by an authorized representative of a Law Enforcement Agency using Agency letterhead and signed by a Chief Executive requesting the installation of an LPR and authorizing the individual to submit the permit application on behalf of the Agency.
  • The Automated License Plate Recognition System Placement and Installation Guidelines apply to all LPR permit applications. Please review these guidelines on this page prior to submitting a permit application.
  • Approved General Use Permits for LPRs are subject to the Special Provisions to General Use Permit for New Installations of Automated License Plate Recognition Systems on the State Highway System, which will be attached to all approved LPR permits. Please review the Special Provisions prior to submitting a permit application and attach the Special Provisions to the application.
  • Permit applications may be submitted via the FDOT One-Stop Permitting Website or by contacting the local FDOT Operations Center or Maintenance Yard that has responsibility for the area where the LPRs are to be installed. Applicants are encouraged to contact the local FDOT Operations Center prior to applying. Contact information can be found on the FDOT One-Stop Permitting Website. The required application is the General Use Permit Application, Form 850-040-05.
  • Installation and removal of an LPR is at the sole expense of the requesting law enforcement agency. FDOT is not liable for any damages caused by the requesting law enforcement agency's operation of an LPR.
  • The LPR must be removed within 30 days after FDOT notifies the requesting law enforcement agency that such removal must occur.
  • Approved General Use Permits for LPRs will be valid for 5 years. At the end of the 5-year term, the law enforcement agency may apply for another 5-year term subject to approval by FDOT and any subsequent standards in effect at that time.



For more information on permit applications, please visit the FDOT One-Stop Permitting Website.

Revised as of May 23, 2024.