School Speed Zone Safety Program Camera Locations

* Please note, active camera times are based on year start/end times and indicate 30 minutes prior to school start times (including breakfast programs) and 30 minutes after school dismissal times. Times are subject to change if school start and dismissal times change.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the School Zone Camera Safety Program?
House Bill (HB) 657 was approved by the Florida Legislature and signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis on May 31, 2023. The law authorizes the use of cameras to enforce speeding violations in school zones throughout the school day. The City of Sarasota will implement the school camera safety program beginning with the 2024-25 school year. For the first 30 days after a speed detection system (SDS) camera becomes active in a school zone, only warnings will be issued. No fines will be assessed during that time.

What is a Speed Detection System (SDS)?
As defined by Section 316.003(83), Florida Statutes (F.S.), an SDS is 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 with an effective date of July 1, 2023.

What does “photo-enforced” mean?
Photographic evidence will be used to issue a Notice of Violation to the registered owner of a vehicle. The vehicle must exceed the posted speed limit by more than ten (10) miles per hour. The Notice of Violation will include the date, time, location, and photographic evidence of the violation.

What are the benefits of photo-enforced cameras in school zones?

• 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.

What is considered speeding under this program.?
Notices of violation are issued in accordance with House Bill (HB) 657 which determines speeding as exceeding the speed limit by more than ten (10) miles per hour. It allows for the use of automated speed detection devices to enforce speeding in school zones. 

Can I drive the normal speed limit if I'm in a school zone during school hours and the school zone light isn't flashing?
Speed enforcement is based on the signage within the zone. For example, when the school zone sign is flashing, the camera will issue violations for speeds exceeding 10 mph over the flashing school zone speed limit. When the sign is not flashing, but during the enforcement period (school day), the camera will issue violations for speeds exceeding 10 mph over the normal posted speed limit.

Who issues the Notice of Violation?
A State of Florida traffic infraction enforcement officer or a sworn law enforcement officer employed by the Sarasota Police Department will decide if a Notice of Violation is justified.

How do I pay the violation?
Penalties may be paid online, over the phone or via U.S. Mail. Instructions for payment options will be listed on the Notice of Violation.

• Online:  You may pay your $100 penalty online at https://secure.speedviolation.com/
• By Mail:  You can pay your $100 penalty via U.S. Mail at: School Zone Speed Enforcement Program PO Box 8000 Oldsmar, FL 34677-6802

Will I accrue points on my license or have the violation reported to my insurance company? No, if the notice of violation is paid within 30-days there are no points associated with this civil notice of violation and it will not affect your insurance. The violation will not appear on your driving record.

What happens if I do not pay the $100 penalty?
If you do not pay, request a hearing, or file an affidavit, you will be issued a Uniform Traffic Citation (UTC). The Sarasota Clerk of Court will impose an additional $106.00 in court costs, bringing the UTC fee to $206.00. The UTC will appear on your driving record but will not incur any points.

How will I know where the speed zone enforcement cameras are located?
Signage has been placed before the school zones that are clearly visible, providing warning to drivers that the roads are enforced by cameras. The list of camera locations is also provided above.

How is the $100 penalty used?
Florida State Statute controls the distribution of funds from each $100 penalty collected as follows:

• $60 must be retained by the City to administer speed detection systems in school zones and other public safety initiatives.
• $20 must be remitted to the FL Department of Revenue for deposit into the General Revenue Fund.
• $12 goes to Sarasota County Schools for school security initiatives, student transportation, or to improve the safety of student walking conditions. Funds remitted under this paragraph must be shared with charter schools in the district based on each charter school's proportionate share of the district's total unweighted full-time equivalent student enrollment and must be used for school security initiatives or to improve the safety of student walking conditions.
• $5 must be retained by the county for the School Crossing Guard Recruitment Retention Program. under Florida Statute Section 316.1894.
• $3 must be remitted to the FL Department of Revenue for deposit into the Department of Law Enforcement Criminal Justice Standards and Training Trust Fund.

What are my options if I receive a notice of violation?
All options will be included in the Notice of Violation sent to the registered owner. Failure to follow the Notice of Violation options within 30-days of issuance will result in the issuance of a FLORIDA UNIFORM TRAFFIC CITATION. There are three options offered to the registered owner of the vehicle:

1. Pay the fine within 30-days from the date of issuance.
2. Request a hearing within 30-days of the date of issuance.
3. Complete an affidavit providing a valid reason for dismissal.

What affidavit can I file?

There are three types of affidavits that can be filed by a registered owner.

1. Affidavit for “I wasn’t the driver” defense requires:

An affidavit supporting this exception must include the name, address, date of birth, and, if known, the driver license number of the person who leased, rented, or otherwise had care, custody, or control of the motor vehicle at the time of the alleged violation. If the motor vehicle was stolen at the time of the alleged violation, the affidavit must include the police report indicating that the motor vehicle was stolen.

2. Affidavit for “I was issued a traffic citation by a law enforcement officer” defense requires:

If a uniform traffic citation for a violation of F.S.S  316.1895 or s. 316.183 was issued at the location of the violation by a law enforcement officer, the affidavit must include the serial number of the uniform traffic citation.

3. Affidavit for “Owner is deceased” defense requires:
If the motor vehicle's owner to whom a notice of violation or a uniform traffic citation has been issued is deceased, the affidavit must include a certified copy of the owner's death certificate showing that the date of death occurred on or before the date of the alleged violation and one of the following:

• A bill of sale or other document showing that the deceased owner's motor vehicle was sold or transferred after his or her death but on or before the date of the alleged violation.
• Documented proof that the registered license plate belonging to the deceased owner's motor vehicle was returned to the department or any branch office or authorized agent of the department after his or her death but on or before the date of the alleged violation. 
• A copy of the police report showing that the deceased owner's registered license plate or motor vehicle was stolen after his or her death but on or before the date of the alleged violation.

Who can I speak to about a violation I received?

• If you have questions regarding a School Speed Zone violation, please call 941-487-0076.
• For question regarding a Red Light Camera violation, please call 941-487-0022.

What can drivers do to be more aware when on the road, specifically when going through school zones?

Our collective efforts contribute to safer roads and protecting 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.