This bill amends various sections of Florida Statutes to regulate the use of railroad traffic infraction detectors and speed detection systems. It defines a "railroad traffic infraction detector" as a system that captures images or video of vehicles violating traffic laws at railroad crossings. Counties and municipalities are authorized to install these detectors at at-grade railroad crossings, contingent upon enacting an ordinance and obtaining permission from the railroad owner. The Department of Transportation is also empowered to enforce speed limits in work zones using speed detection systems, with a requirement for public awareness campaigns prior to their implementation. The bill establishes procedures for issuing traffic citations based on violations detected by these systems, including a notification process for registered vehicle owners and provisions for submitting affidavits in certain circumstances.

Additionally, the bill outlines the financial distribution of penalties collected from traffic violations, specifying allocations to the General Revenue Fund, the Department of Transportation, and local municipalities. It introduces a School Crossing Guard Recruitment and Retention Program funded by penalties from school zone speed detection systems. The legislation emphasizes the importance of safety in work zones and school zones, allowing law enforcement to issue citations for handheld wireless device use in these areas. It also mandates that penalties for violations must be paid electronically to the Department of Revenue on a weekly basis and establishes guidelines for the use of speed detection systems, ensuring they are not used for remote surveillance. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
S 812 Filed: 316.0776, 316.1894, 316.1906, 316.306, 316.640, 655.960