FL S0702

Creates section 316.616 of Florida Statutes authorizing school districts to install and operate side stop signal arm enforcement systems on school buses to document violations of the requirement to stop when school bus stop signals are activated.

School districts must post warning signs or stickers on equipped buses and enter interlocal agreements with law enforcement agencies to jointly establish enforcement responsibilities and cost sharing.

Manufacturers and vendors must submit recorded images, license plate numbers, dates, times, and locations to law enforcement within 30 days of alleged violations; law enforcement reviews evidence and issues electronic notices of violation if violations are confirmed.

Civil penalties are $200 for violations of section 316.172(1)(a) and $400 for violations of section 316.172(1)(b), with fines paid to the school district for system installation, maintenance, and administration; violations are noncriminal and do not count as moving violations.

Recorded images must be destroyed within 90 days after final disposition and cannot be used for surveillance purposes other than documenting violations; equipment must be incapable of remote surveillance and must meet specifications established by the State Board of Education by December 31, 2022.