Slow Down: School-Zone Speed Cameras Are Now Active in Some Tampa Bay Cities
August 13th 2025 - School zones across Tampa Bay are stepping up enforcement, and drivers in Hillsborough, Lakeland, and Bradenton will be seeing a lot more camera action this year.
Hillsborough County Tightens Its School-Zone Watch
In Hillsborough County, newly activated school-zone speed cameras are now issuing $100 citations to drivers caught going more than 10 miles per hour over the posted limit. These cameras operate only when the school-zone signs are flashing, and the 30-day grace period for warnings has ended. Officials say the goal is to keep drivers alert and students safe during the most vulnerable times of the school day.
Lakeland Sets Its Start Date
Lakeland, in Polk County, will soon join the list of cities using school-zone speed cameras. The rollout is planned to begin in early November, with cameras placed near several schools that have seen frequent pedestrian safety concerns. A month-long warning period will follow, giving drivers time to adjust before full ticketing begins in early December. City leaders say the initiative comes in response to a rise in vehicle-student incidents over recent years.
Bradenton Keeps Cameras Running All Day
While Manatee County decided to shut down its school-zone camera program, the City of Bradenton has kept its own system in place. Cameras there are active for the entire school day, starting 30 minutes before the first bell and ending 30 minutes after dismissal. Anyone clocked at 10 mph or more above the limit receives a notice by mail, and unresolved violations can turn into formal citations after 30 days.
Clarity Versus Confusion
Florida’s 2023 legislation made these systems possible, but their implementation has not been without complaints. In Hillsborough, some drivers say the rules are confusing, particularly when flashing beacons aren’t illuminated. The law does not require both a flashing light and a posted schedule, which means a violation can still be enforced even if the lights are off. Critics argue that better consistency and clearer communication would make the system feel less like a trap and more like a true safety measure.
Understanding the Differences
What’s emerging is a patchwork of policies across the region. Hillsborough ties its enforcement to flashing lights, Lakeland is preparing for a similar approach later this year, and Bradenton enforces the limit all day. While the technology’s primary aim is to reduce crashes and protect students, knowing exactly how and when cameras operate in each area is now essential for avoiding costly fines.