TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) – The Leon County Commssion aggreed to implement an ordiance that will put speed cameras in school zones during its Tuesday night meeting.
While school zone speed cameras are already installed inside city limits, the county’s ordinance differs from the City’s, as every first-time violator would get a warning.
Every school in the Leon County district will have a speed camera.
Drivers who violate the speed limit will be fined $100. 60% of that money goes to the county and 40% to other entities like the schools, state and crossing guards.
During Tuesday’s public hearing, one resident claimed the city’s cameras violate due process and urged the county not to adopt the ordinance.
Commission Chair Brian Welch and Commissioner David O’Keefe both said they support the adoption of the ordiance and noted that the propsal states a driver has to be going at least 11 mph over the speed limit to be fined.
Commissioner Nick Maddox raised a concern about how drivers know when the speed violations could take place, calling for clear signage in the school zones.
“All I’m saying is I want us to be clear,” Maddox said.
Speed cameras can be on before school, after school and during the day. If the lights are flashing, the speed is reduced. If the lights are off, the speed might be normal but the camera would still be on.
Maddox also said he wants a media campaign that would educate the public about the new cameras.
Commissioner Bill Proctor raised concerns with the cameras, saying these detection devices have been challenged in court.
There was also a lot of discourse around how drivers can appeal the ticket.
Commissioner Carolyn Cummings asked if there would be any criteria set out for the hearing officer.
The county attorney explained that there must be a photo showing the vehicle and law enforcement has to validate. A driver can say that it isn’t them in the photo, and the officer will have to go on photographic evidence.
Cummings suggested that it be specifically set out that the hearing officer has discretion.
Those cameras outside the city limits will come with a first time warning, but the fine is $100. If paid or appealed, it’s not a ‘real’ ticket but not paying can go on your license or insurance.
NOW: The Leon County Commission is meeting to decide, among other things, if speed cameras should be installed at unincorporated schools like Chiles, Woodville, Deer Lake. pic.twitter.com/iA6ZN3Hv9f
— Matt Hoffmann (@ByMattHoffmann) October 14, 2025
Commission Christian Caban was in support of the ordiance, citing the study that showed how many violations were recorded at each county school.
According to the proposal, traffic studies were conducted at all school zones where the county is considering putting cameras. The proposal says over 7,000 violations were recorded on a single day across the schools.
“This fits into improving public safety in school zones,” Caban said.
Here are the eight locations where the cameras would be installed:
1. Canopy Oaks Elementary School
2. Chaires Elementary School
3. Killearn Lakes Elementary
4. W.T. Moore Elementary
5. Deer Lake Middle School
6. Ft. Braden K-8 School
7. Woodville K-8 School
8. Chiles High School
Public safety officials say speed cameras are necessary. But some defense attorneys and civil rights activists say the cameras don’t align with the Constitution.
Ultimately, the vote passed 6-1 with Proctor opposed.
The full proposal can be found below:
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