How do Florida school-zone speed cameras really work? Here’s what to know

Speed cameras near Florida schools can issue $100 violations whether or not yellow warning lights are flashing — a rule that has caught many drivers off guard. Plus, the cameras operate throughout the school day, not just during drop-off and pick-up windows. They were generating more than $2 million a month in violations in Miami-Dade last summer.

FULL STORY: No flashing yellow lights? Cameras can still issue $100 tickets in school zones

Here are key takeaways:

• Street signs listing a school’s start and end times — not flashing yellow lights — define Florida school zones. Many schools don’t even have the optional yellow flashers.
• Most camera-generated violations happen outside the pick-up and drop-off windows, when yellow lights aren’t flashing and drivers assume they’re in the clear. But the cameras can operate all day, catching speeders during any school hours.
• Under Florida law, a driver can only be ticketed by the cameras for exceeding the speed limit by more than 10 mph.
• Chicago-based RedSpeed operates the cameras in Miami-Dade and keeps about $20 of every $100 violation.
• Ignoring a $100 camera violation can escalate to a traffic citation and eventually, a suspended license. Mark Gold, founder of the Ticket Clinic, said his firm generally advises drivers to just pay rather than fight the fine.

This report was produced with the assistance of a proprietary tool powered by artificial intelligence and using our own originally reported, written and published content. It was reviewed and edited by our journalists.

This story was originally published March 5, 2026 at 5:00 AM.