DeSantis Signs Bill to Allow Speed Cameras in School Zones

TALLAHASSEE  Florida Governor Ron DeSantis opened the door to controversial speed detection cameras recently when he signed HB657 into law. The law allows Florida communities to install photo enforcement to enforce unlawful speeding in designated school zones.

The law authorizes a county or municipality to place or install, or contract with a vendor to place or install, an automated speed detection system on a street or highway under its jurisdiction or a state road (if permitted by the Florida Department of Transportation).

The system may only be used to enforce speed limits in school zones within 30 minutes before a regularly scheduled breakfast program or school session, during the entirety of a regularly scheduled school session, and within 30 minutes after the end of a regularly scheduled school session.

Among the requirements put forth in the law is signage warning motorists that speed detection systems are in use. The law also requires a 30-day public awareness campaign prior to commencing enforcement.

There will be a $100 penalty for each violation. The law prescribes the distribution of the proceeds, including $60 from each citation for the local government to administer the speed detection system and other public safety initiatives; $12 from each citation for county school districts, to be shared proportionately with charter schools, for school security initiatives, student transportation, or improve student walking conditions.