Fines can now be issued through school zone cameras

15 cameras have reached 'Phase 2'; 17 more are in warning stage

  • A school zone camera program now outside of 10 schools is now in phase 2; drivers can receive a $100 fine for speeding in those school zones as of this week. FILE GRAPHIC
    A school zone camera program now outside of 10 schools is now in phase 2; drivers can receive a $100 fine for speeding in those school zones as of this week. FILE GRAPHIC

    A network of school zone speed detection cameras in Osceola County now totals 32, and as of this week drivers observed exceeding the reduced school-zone speed limits by 15 of them could receive a $100 fine.

    The “warning” period for the first set of them has ended, and county officials said more than 5,600 of them were issued to drivers between Feb. 24 and March 21.

    Those cameras are outside of Bellalago Academy, Boggy Creek Elementary School, Deerwood Elementary, Horizon Middle School, KOA Elementary, Liberty High School, Mater Brighton Lakes Academy, Mater Palms Academy, Parkway Middle School and Sunrise Elementary School. Vehicles caught speeding during school hours, as well as 30 minutes before and after school hours, are in violation.

    Going forward, rather than warnings, violators will receive $100 fines sent to the registered owner of the vehicle captured on the video. The Osceola County Sheriff’s Office will verify each infraction before the citation is mailed. 

    The newest cameras are outside of BridgePrep Academy, Narcoossee Elementary School, Poinciana High School and Reedy Creek Elementary School. Phase 2 will begin issuing warnings to drivers who are caught speeding through April 25, when the citation phase will then begin.

    The county contracted with Verra Mobility to administer the program, which was approved in late 2024.

    “The program is violator-funded, it’s a tool to support law enforcement, first and foremost,” said Verra spokesperson Valerie Schneider. “We want to see people improve safety by changing their driving behavior, and at the same time police can do other things while ensuring the school zones are safe.

    While drivers are sent photos of their violation with the citation, they also receive a web site to be able to go online to view video of it in real-time speed. Schneider said Verra’s data shows these speed detection systems reduce speeding and fatal crashes in school zones by 25 percent.