House Bill 521 proposes significant changes to the enforcement of traffic violations in Florida, particularly those detected by traffic infraction detectors. The bill repeals sections 316.0083 and 321.50 of the Florida Statutes, which relate to the Mark Wandall Traffic Safety Program and the authorization for traffic infraction detectors. It amends various sections, including 28.37 and 316.003, to allow counties and municipalities to issue fines for violations detected by these detectors, provided that photographic evidence accompanies the fines. Additionally, the bill repeals section 316.00831, which pertains to the distribution of penalties, and clarifies the definition of a local hearing officer and the procedures for hearings related to traffic violations.

Furthermore, the bill modifies the requirements for individuals cited for traffic violations, removing the need for them to sign and accept a citation under certain sections. It updates the notification procedures for the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles regarding noncompliance with civil penalties and scheduled hearings. The bill also revises the point system for motor vehicle law violations, ensuring that points are not imposed for certain infractions enforced by traffic infraction enforcement officers, and specifies that violations detected through these systems cannot affect motor vehicle insurance rates. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026, aiming to streamline the enforcement and penalty processes while ensuring proper allocation of collected funds for operational costs and safety initiatives.

Statutes affected:
H 521 Filed: 28.37, 316.008, 316.173, 318.121, 318.15, 320.03, 322.27