Charlotte County is launching a School Zone Camera Safety Program starting with the 2025–2026 school year, in accordance with Florida law. This program is designed to improve safety in school zones by enforcing speed limits using automated camera systems.
The School Zone Camera Safety Program is authorized under House Bill 657, signed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis on May 31, 2023. This law allows automated camera enforcement of speeding violations within designated school zones during school hours.
- Cameras detect vehicles exceeding the speed limit by more than 10 mph
- A Notice of Violation is mailed to the registered owner of the vehicle
- The notice includes the date, time, location, and photographic evidence of the violation
- 30 minutes before a school's breakfast program and through 30 minutes after the start of the school day
- 30 minutes before and through 30 minutes after the end of the school day
- Times vary by school (see details below)
- Helping protect students and staff in school zones
- Discouraging speeding during school hours
- Improving driver awareness and safety around schools
Full List of School Enforcement Times
| School Info | School Hours |
|---|---|
| The Academy 18300 Cochran Blvd., Port Charlotte |
7:40 a.m. – 2:40 p.m. |
| Babcock Neighborhood School 43301 Cypress Parkway., Babcock Ranch |
8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. |
| Charlotte Harbor Center 22450 Hancock Ave., Punta Gorda |
7:10 a.m. – 2:10 p.m. |
| Deep Creek Elementary School 26900 Harbor View Road, Port Charlotte |
8:20 a.m. – 2:50 p.m. |
| East Elementary School 27050 Fairway Drive, Punta Gorda |
8:40 a.m. – 3:10 p.m. |
| Kingsway Elementary School 23300 Quasar Blvd., Port Charlotte |
8:40 a.m. – 3:10 p.m. |
| L.A. Ainger Middle School 245 Cougar Way, Rotonda West |
9:10 a.m. – 4:10 p.m. |
| Lemon Bay High School 2201 Placida Road, Englewood |
7:10 a.m. – 2:10 p.m. |
| Liberty Elementary School 370 Atwater St., Port Charlotte |
8:20 a.m. – 2:50 p.m. |
| Meadow Park Elementary School 750 Essex Ave., Port Charlotte |
8:20 a.m. – 2:50 p.m. |
| Murdock Middle School 17325 Mariner Way, Port Charlotte |
9:10 a.m. – 4:10 p.m. |
| Myakka River Elementary School 12650 Willmington Blvd., Port Charlotte |
8:20 a.m. – 2:50 p.m. |
| Neil Armstrong Elementary School 22100 Breezeswept Ave., Port Charlotte |
8:40 a.m. – 3:10 p.m. |
| Peace River Elementary School 4070 Beaver Lane, Port Charlotte |
8:40 a.m. – 3:10 p.m. |
| Port Charlotte High School 18200 Cochran Blvd., Port Charlotte |
7:10 a.m. – 2:10 p.m. |
| Port Charlotte Middle School 23000 Midway Blvd., Port Charlotte |
9:10 a.m. – 4:10 p.m. |
| Vineland Elementary School 467 Boundary Blvd., Rotonda West |
8:40 a.m. – 3:10 p.m. |
Violations and Payment
A State of Florida traffic infraction enforcement officer employed by Charlotte County is the only authority that can determine if a Notice of Violation is justified. Violations carry a $100 civil violation.
- Pay the fine within 30 days from the date of issuance
- Request a hearing within 30 days of the date of issuance (instructions are included with the notice of violation)
- Submit an affidavit explaining an exception to liability under Florida State Statute 316.1896(8)
A Notice of Violation is a civil penalty and does not affect your driving privileges (add points to your driver's license) or insurance. If no action is taken, the citation is transferred to county court.
- The motor vehicle was, at the time of the violation, in the care, custody, or control of another person.
- The driver of the vehicle was issued a traffic ticket by a law enforcement officer for the same alleged violation.
A kiosk is available at the Public Works facility, 7000 Florida Street, Punta Gorda, FL 33950, for public access if no internet service is available.
Program Cost: This program does not rely on taxpayer funding. It is fully supported by revenue from paid violations.
Data Privacy and Security
- Photographs of the vehicle and license plate
- Date, time, location, and speed information
- Encrypted and securely transmitted
- Digitally signed to ensure accuracy
- Stored in a secure data vault with protections against tampering
Contact
For more information about this program, call 877-224-8051.