Orange County drivers will soon see automated speed detection cameras operating near several local schools.
The county’s new school zone speed enforcement program is scheduled to begin on January 27, 2027, at 12 schools in unincorporated Orange County. The program will initially operate under a 30-day warning period, giving drivers time to become familiar with the cameras and posted signage. During that period, vehicle owners may receive warning notices, but no fines will be imposed.
After the warning period ends, registered vehicle owners may receive a $100 citation when a camera records a vehicle traveling more than 10 mph above the applicable speed limit during authorized school zone enforcement hours. Orange County has selected RedSpeed Florida to help operate the program and reportedly plans to expand it to 32 additional schools over the following two years.
When Will Orange County’s School Zone Cameras Begin Issuing Tickets?
The county’s current implementation schedule includes:
- January 27, 2027: Cameras begin operating.
- First 30 days: Warning notices may be mailed, but no financial penalties will be issued.
- After the warning period: Qualifying violations may result in a $100 notice mailed to the vehicle’s registered owner.
Orange County’s ordinance requires a public awareness campaign before financial penalties begin. It also provides that information captured by the cameras must be reviewed by an authorized employee or agent before a violation is issued.
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Which Orange County Schools Will Have Speed Cameras?
The first phase of the program will cover the following 12 school zones:
- Dr. Phillips Elementary School
Wallace Road near Sunbeam Avenue - Hunters Creek Elementary School
Town Center Boulevard near Lord Barclay Drive - Rock Springs Elementary School
Rock Springs Road near Faye Street - Meadowbrook Middle School
North Lane near Wendy Drive and Powers Drive near Chalet Court - Three Points Elementary School
State Road 551 near Mai Tai Drive - Sally Ride Elementary School
Fourth Street near Eighth Avenue - Discovery Middle School
Lake Underhill Road near Spring Island Way - South Creek Middle School
Wetherbee Road near Cypress Pond Boulevard - Wedgefield K-8 School
Bancroft Boulevard near Ortega Street - Cheney Elementary School
Forsyth Road near Dominion Avenue - Oak Hill Elementary School
Hiawassee Road near Tallowtree Lane - Palmetto Elementary School
Texas Avenue near Duskin Avenue
When Can a School Zone Speed Camera Record a Violation?
Florida law allows automated school zone enforcement when a vehicle is traveling more than 10 mph above the speed limit in effect during specified periods.
Those periods may include:
- The time surrounding a regularly scheduled school breakfast program
- The time surrounding the beginning of the school day
- The entirety of the regularly scheduled school session
- The time surrounding the end of the school day
This means camera enforcement may not be limited to the short periods when students are arriving or being dismissed. During the regular school session, cameras may record vehicles traveling more than 10 mph above the normally posted speed limit, even when the reduced school-zone speed limit is not in effect. (Online Sunshine)
Drivers should carefully watch all posted speed limits and school zone signage instead of relying solely on flashing lights.
What Happens When a Camera Records a Violation?
The automated system captures information such as the vehicle’s license plate, location, time and date, recorded speed, and the speed limit that was in effect.
Under Florida law, a notice must generally be sent to the vehicle’s registered owner within 30 days of the alleged violation. The owner also has the right to review the photograph or video and the speed-detection evidence associated with the notice. (Online Sunshine)
A person who receives a notice may generally have the option to:
- Pay the $100 penalty
- Request an administrative hearing
- Submit an affidavit establishing a legally recognized exception, such as identifying another person who had care, custody, or control of the vehicle
The response deadline is generally 30 days from the date of the notice. Ignoring it may result in a uniform traffic citation, court-related costs, or other consequences. (Online Sunshine)
The City of Orlando Has a Separate Camera Program
Orange County’s January 2027 launch should not be confused with the City of Orlando’s separate school zone speed camera program.
Within Orlando city limits, the city’s cameras are scheduled to begin warning operations on August 11, 2026. The warning period will continue through September 24, with full enforcement beginning on September 25, 2026.
The City of Orlando states that vehicle owners recorded traveling more than 10 mph above the applicable speed limit may receive a $100 civil penalty by mail once enforcement begins. (City of Orlando)
Drivers should therefore determine whether a school is located within the City of Orlando or in unincorporated Orange County because the programs have different launch dates.
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Automated Citations and Criminal Traffic Charges Are Different
A mailed school zone camera notice is generally handled as a civil traffic matter. It is different from criminal allegations such as reckless driving, driving with a suspended license, DUI, leaving the scene of a crash, or fleeing from law enforcement.
Automated camera enforcement also does not prevent a law enforcement officer from conducting a traffic stop or issuing a separate citation when an officer personally observes a violation. (Online Sunshine)
If you have been arrested or charged with a criminal traffic offense in Orange County or elsewhere in Central Florida, an experienced criminal defense attorney can evaluate the evidence, explain your rights, and help you determine the best way to proceed.
Contact Bogin, Munns & Munns to discuss your case with a member of our criminal defense team.
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