Charlotte County, Florida, February 13, 2026
Charlotte County is set to introduce civil penalties for speeding in school zones with the installation of speed detection cameras, aiming to enhance child safety. Starting April 1, fines will be imposed on drivers exceeding the speed limit. The cameras will operate during peak hours to protect students during school commutes. A multi-stage verification process will ensure fairness in violations, which will not impact drivers’ insurance rates. Revenue from the fines will support local public safety initiatives.
Charlotte County Prepares for School Zone Speed Camera Enforcement, Fines to Commence April 1
Charlotte County, Florida – Drivers in Charlotte County will soon face civil penalties for speeding in school zones, as the county prepares to begin issuing fines through newly installed speed detection cameras starting April 1, 2026. This measure marks a significant step in the county’s ongoing commitment to enhance child safety and regulate traffic speeds around educational institutions.
Enhanced Safety Measures to Protect Students
The implementation of these automated speed detection cameras aims to reinforce safe driving practices in areas where children are most at risk. The systems, which utilize lane-specific, high-resolution video cameras with infrared illuminators, are strategically placed throughout local school zones.
These cameras will operate during specific hours: 30 minutes before a school’s breakfast program to 30 minutes after the school day’s start, and again from 30 minutes before school dismissal to 30 minutes after dismissal. This targeted enforcement ensures that students are protected during the busiest times of their commute to and from school.
Violation Threshold and Enforcement Process
A violation will be triggered when a vehicle exceeds the posted school-zone speed limit by 11 miles per hour or more. To ensure accuracy and fairness, each detected violation undergoes a multi-stage verification process involving three individuals before a traffic enforcement officer issues a citation. Drivers who receive a citation have the option to request a magistrate hearing to dispute the violation.
The state-level authorization for these systems, established under Florida House Bill 657 in 2023, allows for the imposition of civil penalties for violations. Importantly, these violations will not result in points against a driver’s license and cannot be used for the purpose of setting motor vehicle insurance rates.
Funding Public Safety Initiatives
The civil penalty for a school zone speed camera violation will contribute to local public safety efforts. Charlotte County will receive $39 of the $60 collected per violation, with an additional $5 allocated for school crossing guard recruitment and retention, totaling $44 for the county. The funds generated from these citations are earmarked to support public safety projects, including providing additional sidewalks along school routes, further bolstering pedestrian safety around schools.
Extensive Preparation and Community Awareness
In preparation for the launch, Charlotte County’s Public Works Department has undertaken extensive efforts. Over 150 supplementary static signs have been designed, fabricated, and installed throughout school zones, clearly denoting the times each zone is active. Pavement legends are also being updated to the latest standards, and two new school zones have been created at the request of Charlotte County Public Schools administration for the Academy and the Charlotte Harbor Center.
The county has also begun implementing a new beacon management system that will provide real-time access to each beacon’s operating status and send automatic notifications for any changes or issues.
Broader Context of State and Local Safety Efforts
The implementation of school zone speed cameras in Charlotte County aligns with a broader statewide initiative to improve road safety, particularly for children. The Florida Legislature’s passage of Florida House Bill 657 in April 2023 explicitly authorized local governments across the state to enforce speed limits in school zones using speed detection cameras. This legislation empowers counties to enhance safety where it is most needed.
Beyond the immediate goal of reducing speeding in school zones, Charlotte County is also actively engaged in a Comprehensive Safety Action Plan. The Charlotte County-Punta Gorda Metropolitan Planning Organization (CC-PG MPO) secured a federal Safe Streets for All (SS4A) grant in 2023 to develop a coordinated Vision Zero plan. This plan aims to eliminate traffic fatalities and severe injuries, creating safer roads for all residents and visitors. The use of speed cameras is a complementary strategy within this larger framework, reinforcing the county’s dedication to a safe environment for its citizens.
Key Features of Charlotte County’s School Zone Speed Camera Program
| Feature | Description | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Enforcement Start Date for Fines | April 1, 2026 | Local |
| Operating Hours | 30 minutes before school breakfast to 30 minutes after school start, and 30 minutes before dismissal to 30 minutes after dismissal. | Local |
| Violation Speed Threshold | 11 mph or more over the posted school-zone speed limit. | Local |
| Enforcement Technology | Lane-specific, high-resolution video cameras with infrared illuminators. | Local |
| Citation Verification Process | Multi-stage verification by three individuals before a traffic enforcement officer issues a citation. | Local |
| Appeal Process | Drivers can request a magistrate hearing to dispute a citation. | Local |
| Penalty Impact | Civil penalties; no points on driver’s license, not used for insurance rates. | State-level |
| Revenue Allocation | Charlotte County receives $39, $5 for crossing guards ($44 total) from each $60 civil penalty. Funds support public safety projects like sidewalks. | Local |
| Authorizing Legislation | Florida House Bill 657, passed in 2023. | State-level |
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