Palm Bay Suspends License Plate Readers Over Permitting Concerns

The City of Palm Bay suspended its automated license plate reader camera system on August 7, 2026, following concerns over the construction and placement of the equipment. City Manager Matthew Morton determined that the cameras, which are operated by the vendor Flock Safety, may not have been properly permitted or installed.

In coordination with Police Chief Jeff Spears, the city took the system offline and covered the cameras with hoods to signal to residents that data collection has ceased. The Palm Bay City Council directed the investigation into the system's deployment.

The cameras will remain deactivated pending a comprehensive review of the permitting and installation process. City officials have not provided a timeline for the completion of the review or confirmed whether the system will eventually return to service.