FL H0657

Counties and municipalities may use automated speed detection systems (radar/LiDAR with rear-facing cameras) to enforce speed limits in school zones during specified periods — from 30 minutes before breakfast programs and school sessions through 30 minutes after — for violations exceeding 10 mph over the posted limit, after enacting a local ordinance and determining the zone poses a heightened safety risk at a public hearing.

Violators receive a notice of violation by first-class mail within 30 days and must pay a $100 fine or request a hearing within 30 days; failure to pay or respond results in a uniform traffic citation sent by certified mail, with the registered vehicle owner presumed liable unless they submit an affidavit identifying another person who had custody of the vehicle.

The $100 fine is distributed as follows: $20 to the General Revenue Fund, $60 retained by the county/municipality for speed detection administration and public safety, $12 to the county school district for school security and student transportation, $5 for the School Crossing Guard Recruitment and Retention Program, and $3 to the FDLE Criminal Justice Standards and Training Trust Fund.

No driver license points may be imposed and violations may not be used to set motor vehicle insurance rates when enforced by a traffic infraction enforcement officer through the speed detection system; a 30-day public awareness campaign issuing only warnings is required before a new program begins enforcement.

Counties and municipalities must submit annual reports to the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles by October 1 each year detailing system locations, violation statistics, and enforcement procedures, and must present annual results at a public governing body meeting; the department must submit a summary report to the Governor and Legislature by December 31, 2024, and annually thereafter. The act took effect July 1, 2023.