How the Program Works

Wellington implemented the program under HB 657, signed by Governor DeSantis on May 31, 2023 (Chapter 2023-174, Laws of Florida). The law authorizes counties and municipalities to use speed detection system cameras to enforce school zone speed limits during school hours.

The cameras use radar or LiDAR to detect a vehicle’s speed and capture a photograph or video of the rear of vehicles exceeding the speed limit. A warning period ran August 11 – September 12, 2025. Full citation enforcement began September 15, 2025.

The program was developed in partnership with Jenoptik, a global technology company specializing in traffic safety systems.

What Triggers a Citation

A Notice of Violation is issued when a vehicle travels within a school zone at a speed of 11 mph or more over the posted speed limit. This applies during school hours — arrival, dismissal, and throughout the school day.

Critical detail most drivers miss: even when the school zone flashing lights are not active, the regular posted speed limit is photo-enforced while school is in session. So if you’re driving past a school during the school day at normal traffic speeds and you exceed the posted limit by 11+ mph, you can receive a citation even without flashing yellow lights.

The Fine and Your Options

The $100 fine is a civil infraction — not a moving violation. It carries no points and no insurance impact. The citation is sent by mail to the registered owner of the vehicle.

You have 30 days from the Notice of Violation to: (1) pay the fine, (2) submit an Affidavit of Defense, or (3) request a hearing before the Local Hearing Officer. Do not ignore the notice — failure to respond within 30 days results in a Uniform Traffic Citation with significantly greater penalties.

Transfer of liability: if you weren’t driving the vehicle, you can file an affidavit identifying the actual driver.

What This Means for Buyers Choosing Schools

If you’re buying a home in Wellington and plan to drive your children to school, this program will affect your daily routine. The cameras are fixed — they’re in the same locations every school day. Once you know where they are and what the enforcement speed triggers are, avoiding a citation is straightforward.

For buyers evaluating Wellington neighborhoods by school zone: the presence of active speed enforcement typically correlates with improved pedestrian safety around schools, which is a positive lifestyle factor for families. This is Wellington’s Vision Zero commitment in action — the goal is safer streets, not revenue generation.