Leon County and Tallahassee drivers urged to slow down or face $100 fines
By Erin Hill
Bradfordville Bugle
As students return to class across Leon County, officials are reminding drivers that speed enforcement cameras are now active in several school zones—and violations will cost you.
The automated camera program, launched earlier this year by the City of Tallahassee and Leon County, is designed to crack down on speeding during school zone hours and improve safety for children walking or biking to school.
The cameras are operational only when school zone lights are flashing, typically during morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up times. Drivers caught going 10 miles per hour or more over the posted speed limit will receive a $100 citation by mail.
What Drivers Need to Know
- School zones are now photo-enforced at several locations, including:
- Kerry Forest Parkway near DeSoto Trail Elementary
- Tharpe Street near Raa Middle School
- West 7th Avenue near Ruediger Elementary
- Cameras activate automatically during school hours and deactivate afterward.
- Violations are civil, meaning they don’t affect your license or insurance—but the fine is still $100.
In the first week of full enforcement this spring, just two cameras recorded more than 3,100 violations, generating an estimated $317,900 in fines, according to city records. Officials say the program is expected to bring in as much as $18 million annually once all 25 planned cameras are active.
Leon County alone anticipates around $275,000 in annual revenue, with 60% staying local to support public safety and school-related programs. The remainder is distributed in accordance with state law.
Safety Over Speed
Local leaders emphasize that the goal is not revenue but protecting students. A traffic study found that more than 23,000 speeding violations were occurring every day across 23 school zones in unincorporated Leon County.
Now, with the start of the 2025–26 school year, enforcement will be in full effect across all active zones. Drivers are urged to pay close attention to school zone signs and flashing lights—and to slow down well in advance.
For more information, or to see a full list of enforcement zones as they expand, visit Talgov.com or contact the Leon County Sheriff’s Office.
