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Fort Walton Beach Today
By the People, for the People
Florida School Zones See Dramatic Drop in Speeding Violations
New speed safety cameras lead to 95% reduction in school zone speeding, officials say
Mar. 14, 2026 at 10:03am
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A new law in Florida allowing the use of speed safety cameras in school zones has led to a dramatic 95% drop in speeding violations, according to a study in Fort Walton Beach. The technology is helping to extend law enforcement's reach and change driver behavior around schools, where officials say consistent speed limit enforcement is essential to protect students.
Why it matters
Speeding in school zones poses a serious threat to student safety, with pedestrians struck at higher speeds having dramatically lower chances of survival. The new camera technology is helping to address this public safety issue by consistently enforcing speed limits even when officers cannot be present at all school locations.
The details
The Florida Legislature passed a law in 2023 authorizing the use of school zone speed detection systems. In Fort Walton Beach, a 2024 traffic study found drivers exceeding the school zone limit by up to 60 mph on active school days. Since the installation of speed cameras, speeding violations have dropped by 95%. Fewer than 10% of drivers who receive a violation become repeat offenders, indicating the cameras are changing driver behavior.
- In 2023, the Florida Legislature passed HB 657, authorizing the use of school zone speed detection systems.
- In 2024, a traffic study in Fort Walton Beach found drivers exceeding the school zone limit by up to 60 mph on active school days.
- Since the installation of speed cameras, speeding violations have dropped by 95%.
The players
Robert Bage
The Chief of Police for the City of Fort Walton Beach and the president of the Florida Police Chiefs Association.
Okaloosa County Schools
A school district in Florida with more than 30,000 students.
What they’re saying
“We cannot station an officer at every school every minute of every day for traffic safety. But with the right tools and responsible safeguards, we can ensure that every school has accountability when it comes to traffic safety. We can ensure that the laws designed to protect children are enforced consistently and fairly.”
— Robert Bage, Chief of Police, City of Fort Walton Beach
What’s next
Officials state the technology is helping to extend law enforcement's reach, as officers cannot be present at all schools. The program is also structured responsibly, with violation fees being reinvested into public safety initiatives including law enforcement training and recruitment, enhanced school safety efforts, and additional crossing guards.
The takeaway
The new speed safety camera technology in Florida school zones is proving to be an effective tool for consistently enforcing speed limits and changing driver behavior, helping to protect students and prevent tragic crashes around schools where law enforcement cannot always be present.
