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School Zone Speed Cameras in Miami Gardens: How Tickets Work and How to Contest One
School zone speed cameras can issue $100 tickets to drivers going more than 10 mph over the limit.
If a $100 ticket showed up in your mailbox after driving past a school, you are not alone. School zone speed cameras now issue a large share of speeding tickets in Miami-Dade, and Miami Gardens runs its own camera enforcement. Here is how the cameras work, what the fine means, and what to do if you want to contest one.
Fine: $100, mailed to the registered owner. Triggered by: driving more than 10 mph over the posted limit in an enforced school zone. Points: none, and no impact on insurance. Your options: pay within 30 days or request a hearing. Ignore it: it can become a more expensive traffic citation.
Why the cameras exist
A 2023 Florida law allowed counties and cities to install speed detection cameras in school zones. Miami-Dade County began issuing citations in late 2024, and the program grew quickly. In early 2026, school zone cameras produced 68% of all speeding tickets processed in Miami-Dade, more than twice as many as police issued by hand. Cities can run their own programs too, and Miami Gardens holds its own camera hearings for school zone speed and red-light violations.
When the cameras are active
Reduced-speed times
During the school zone's reduced-speed hours, typically 30 minutes before and after the start and end of the school day, the limit is usually 15 mph. Going 25 mph or faster in that window triggers a violation.
The rest of the school day
Cameras can also issue tickets during the school day outside the flashing-light windows, if you are going more than 10 mph over the normal posted limit. Signs must list the enforcement times, so watch for "Speed Limit Photo Enforced" signs.
What the $100 fine means
Camera citations are civil violations sent to the vehicle's registered owner, even if someone else was driving. They are a flat $100, add no points to your license, and do not affect your insurance. That is different from a ticket written by an officer in a school zone, which can carry a much higher fine and points.
Under state law, most of each $100 fine stays with the local government that runs the program, with smaller shares going to the state, the school district, crossing guard programs, and law enforcement training.
How to pay or contest a ticket
Act within 30 days
The notice gives you a deadline, generally 30 days, to pay, request a hearing, or submit an affidavit if someone else was driving or the vehicle was stolen.
Request a hearing
If you believe the ticket was issued in error, for example because signs were missing or the times were wrong, you can request a hearing. The City of Miami Gardens schedules hearings for its camera programs; the next "Red Speed" and red-light camera hearings are listed on the city calendar for Tuesday, October 20.
Don't ignore it
If you don't respond, the notice can be converted into a uniform traffic citation with higher costs. One Miami-Dade driver who ignored her notices saw each $100 ticket turn into a $219 citation, with warnings that driving privileges could be suspended.
The debate
Supporters say the cameras protect children, noting that most drivers who get one violation do not get a second. Critics, including some traffic attorneys, argue the programs work more like revenue generators than safety tools. Either way, the cameras are here, and knowing the rules can save you money.
Read the instructions on your notice carefully and contact the agency listed on it. For general questions, call the City of Miami Gardens at 305-622-8000. For more on getting around the city, see our guide to Freebee free rides.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a school zone speed camera ticket in Miami Gardens?
School zone speed camera citations in Florida are a flat $100, mailed to the vehicle’s registered owner. They add no points to your license and do not affect insurance.
How fast do you have to go to get a school zone camera ticket?
Cameras issue citations to drivers going more than 10 mph over the posted school zone speed limit. In a 15 mph zone, that means 25 mph or faster.
When are school zone speed cameras active?
Cameras operate on school days, including the reduced-speed windows before and after school, and can also ticket drivers going more than 10 mph over the normal posted limit during the school day.
How do I contest a school zone camera ticket in Miami Gardens?
Follow the instructions on your notice to request a hearing, generally within 30 days. The City of Miami Gardens lists hearings for its camera programs on the city calendar, including hearings on October 20, 2026.
What happens if I don’t pay a school zone camera ticket?
An unpaid notice can be converted into a uniform traffic citation with higher fees and possible consequences for your driving privileges.
This guide is for general information and is not legal advice. Program rules, deadlines, and hearing procedures are set by Florida law and the agency that issued your notice. Follow the instructions on your citation and confirm details with the issuing agency. Published: October 12, 2026.
