The City of Bradenton chose to implement photo-enforced speed cameras in school zones as part of a state-wide effort to enhance student safety during commutes to and from school. The goal is to bring awareness to school zones and reduce the danger posed by speeding drivers.

House Bill (HB) 657 was approved by the Florida Legislature and signed by Governor Ron DeSantis on May 31st, 2023. Under this law, the use of cameras is authorized to enforce speeding violations in school zones throughout the school day. The City of Bradenton will implement the school safety camera program for the 2024-2025 school year and beyond. No fines will be issued during the first 30 days of a speed detection system (SDS) camera being active in a school zone. Only warnings will be issued during that time.

Cameras installed within the school zone capture high-resolution photographic evidence of a vehicle that exceeds the posted speed limit by more than 10 mph. The photographic evidence will be used to issue a Notice of Violation to the vehicle’s registered owner of the vehicle. The Notice of Violation will include the date, time, location, and photo evidence.

Section 316.003(83), Florida Statutes (F.S.), defines an SDS as a portable or fixed automated system used to detect a motor vehicle's speed using radar or LiDAR and to capture a photograph or video of the rear of a motor vehicle that exceeds the speed limit in force at the time of the violation. Section 316.0776, Florida Statutes (F.S.), was amended and signed into law, effective July 1, 2023.

School zones will be marked with additional signs warning drivers of the cameras.

Cameras are active from 30 minutes before through 30 minutes after school, which includes all the hours while school is in session. The reduced speed limit and the regular posted speed for that roadway are enforced while school is in session. Speed enforcement is not monitored outside of school hours, on holidays when there is no school, or on weekends.

Notices of violation are issued when a vehicle exceeds the posted speed limit by more than 10 miles per hour.

This applies to the reduced school zone speed limit (15-20 mph depending on the school), which Florida law defines as 30 minutes before and 30 minutes after the periods when people arrive and leave a regularly scheduled school session. This reduced speed limit may be accompanied by flashing lights.

This also applies to the regular posted speed limit during the school day.

The penalty is $100 and is issued to the vehicle's registered owner.

Notices of violation are mailed to the registered owner and may be paid online, over the phone, or mailed in and paid by check, money order, or with a credit card at this link: https://secure.speedviolation.com/

The vehicle’s registered owner may request a hearing with BPD to dispute the violation. This must be done within 30 days of the violation.

This is a civil penalty.

If the violation is paid within 30 days there are no points associated with this civil notice violation and it will not affect your insurance.

If you do not pay, request a hearing, or file an affidavit, you will be issued a Uniform Traffic Citation (UTC). Failure to pay the UTC may result in the suspension of your driver’s license by the Clerk of Court.

Florida statute controls the distribution of funds from each $100 penalty collected.

• $60 goes to the City to administer the program and other public safety initiatives.

• $20 goes to the State of FL General Fund

• $12 goes to Manatee County Schools

• $5 goes to the Crossing Guard Program

• $3 goes to the FL Dept of Law Enforcement Education Fund

• These cameras help reduce speeding, directly contributing to safety in areas where children are present. By enforcing speed limits, they prevent accidents and protect young pedestrians.

• Implementing speed cameras can improve traffic flow. When drivers adhere to speed limits, congestion, and sudden stops are minimized, benefiting everyone on the road.

• Overall, photo-enforced speed cameras enhance safety, promote compliance with traffic laws, and provide valuable data for analyzing traffic patterns.

Our collective efforts contribute to safer roads and protect our children.

• Obey Speed Limits: Always adhere to posted speed limits, especially in school zones. These limits are set to protect children and pedestrians.

• Stay Off Devices: Avoid distractions like texting or using your phone while driving. Keep your focus on the road and surroundings.

• Watch for Signs: Pay attention to school zone signs, flashing lights, and crosswalk markings. These indicate reduced speed limits during school hours.

• Be Alert: Keep an eye out for children crossing the road, waiting at bus stops, or playing near schools. Slow down and be prepared to stop.

• Follow Crossing Guards: Respect the instructions of crossing guards. They play a vital role in ensuring safe crossings for students.

• Plan Ahead: Leave home a little earlier to avoid rushing. Being in a hurry can lead to speeding and other unsafe driving behaviors.