Red Light Cameras Florida: Do They Actually Make Fort Myers Streets Safer?
Despite a decrease in total accidents, injuries at red light camera intersections in Fort Myers increased fivefold, raising serious questions about whether red light cameras in Florida truly make streets safer.
In fact, Florida's red light camera program recorded over 1 million violations in 2021-2022, while crash data shows concerning trends. At camera-monitored intersections across the state, rear-end collisions increased from 7,762 before installation to 8,020 after installation. However, some jurisdictions like Fairfax, Virginia, reported a 44% reduction in violations after implementing these systems.
This comprehensive guide examines the latest data on Florida's red light camera program, analyzing crash statistics, exploring legal challenges, and helping you understand whether these controversial enforcement tools actually improve road safety in your community.
The Evolution of Red Light Cameras in Florida
Florida's red light camera program has undergone significant changes since its official authorization in 2010. Initially implemented in just a handful of municipalities, the program has sparked ongoing debates about safety, legality, and effectiveness throughout the state.
History of the Mark Wandall Traffic Safety Act
The formal legalization of red light cameras in Florida came through the Mark Wandall Traffic Safety Act, passed in 2010 after six years of advocacy and testimony. The legislation bears the name of Mark Wandall, who tragically lost his life to a red light runner. His widow, Melissa Wandall, spearheaded the campaign to prevent similar tragedies.
Following implementation, the program expanded rapidly. By 2016, 67 jurisdictions across Florida were using red light cameras, though that number declined to 42 by 2023. Throughout this period, the program faced yearly repeal attempts and significant legal challenges. A 2016 appeals court ruling temporarily led many municipalities to suspend their programs until the Florida Supreme Court unanimously upheld the law.
Under the Act, a portion of the $158 fine for violations goes to Florida's trauma centers and The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, linking traffic enforcement with public health initiatives.
How red light camera technology works
Red light camera systems operate through a straightforward but precise mechanism. The system activates only when it detects motion just after the traffic signal has turned red. Each violation capture includes two photographs from behind the vehicle:
- The first image shows the vehicle at the white stop bar with the red light illuminated
- The second shows the vehicle proceeding through the intersection while the light remains red
Additionally, the cameras record a 12-second digital video—capturing six seconds before and six seconds after the violation. Each potential violation undergoes review by law enforcement officials, who make the final determination whether to issue a citation.
Current Florida red light camera locations in 2025
As of April 2025, 343 individual communities nationwide use red light camera programs, with Florida containing a substantial portion of these installations. The most recent comprehensive state data shows 476 active cameras at 297 intersections as of June 2023.
Florida communities currently utilizing red light cameras include Miami, Tampa, Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, Clearwater, and dozens of smaller municipalities. Some counties maintain extensive programs—Hillsborough County, for instance, operates cameras at major intersections including Fletcher Avenue & Bruce B. Downs Boulevard and Waters Avenue & Dale Mabry Highway.
Although some jurisdictions have discontinued their programs, many cities continue adding cameras at high-risk intersections. Boynton Beach recently expanded its existing 18-camera program with additional installations at Woolbright Road and Seacrest Boulevard.
Analyzing Florida's Red Light Camera Crash Data
Recent analysis reveals complex patterns in how red light cameras affect Florida intersection safety. Looking beyond promotional claims, official data shows surprising trends across multiple metrics.
Before and after crash statistics (2015-2025)
Contrary to safety promises, Florida's red light camera intersections have experienced notable increases in total crashes. According to FLHSMV data, total crashes rose from 17,093 before camera installation to 18,615 after installation. This represents a 9% increase—higher than would be expected from the 8.3% increase in overall vehicle miles traveled during the same period.
Types of accidents: T-bone vs. rear-end collisions
The data shows significant shifts in crash types at camera-equipped intersections. Angle crashes (commonly called T-bone collisions) increased from 3,630 to 4,180 after camera installation, a concerning 15.2% rise. Furthermore, rear-end collisions jumped from 8,429 to 9,121, representing an 8.2% increase. This pattern aligns with a Tampa study that found accidents at intersections with cameras increased by over 40% after installation.
Fatal and injury crash trends at camera intersections
On a positive note, certain serious crash metrics show modest improvements. Fatal crashes remained nearly unchanged (35 before vs. 36 after), while crashes resulting in non-incapacitating injuries decreased slightly from 4,109 to 3,986. Nevertheless, serious injury crashes increased from 363 to 432—a 19% jump that raises questions about overall safety benefits.
Do red light cameras cause more accidents than they prevent?
The evidence remains mixed. Critics point to consistent increases in total crashes at camera intersections across multiple Florida cities—crashes were up 3% statewide last year and 11% in 2022. Conversely, supporters highlight studies like one from Miami Beach showing 18 fewer crashes per year at camera intersections.
Some safety experts argue the trade-off is worthwhile. As noted by Adrian Lund, president of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, "I would take the rear end crash any day over a T-bone crash", since angle collisions typically cause more severe injuries.
The Financial Impact of Red Light Camera Programs
The financial mechanics behind Florida's red light camera system reveal a complex network of revenue streams and expenditures that impact both state and local budgets.
Cost of implementation and maintenance
Setting up red light cameras requires substantial initial investment. A single camera installation can cost upwards of $100,000. Primarily, private vendors like Verra Mobility (formerly American Traffic Solutions) and RedSpeed USA handle these systems. These companies typically install and maintain all equipment at no upfront cost to municipalities, instead collecting fixed monthly fees once revenue exceeds expenses. For instance, Verra Mobility receives $3,600 per month for each camera in Tampa.
Revenue generated from violations
Red light camera violations in Florida carry a $158 fine. Remarkably, these cameras have generated massive revenue since their inception. From 2010 through February 2023, the program collected a staggering $1.28 billion statewide. Even as programs shrink, financial impact remains substantial—over 1 million NOVs were issued in 2023-2024, compared to 976,478 in the previous fiscal year.
Distribution of funds between state and local governments
For each $158 ticket, proceeds are divided among multiple recipients:
- State allocation for transportation projects
- Local government portion for safety initiatives
- Funding for trauma centers and paralysis research
Specifically, since program inception, $565 million has gone to state transportation projects, $81 million to trauma centers, and $24 million to the Miami Center To Cure Paralysis.
Cost-benefit analysis: Safety improvements vs. program expenses
Research presents mixed conclusions about economic benefits. Consequently, many jurisdictions have discontinued their programs—declining from 82 in 2014 to just 39 in 2023, a 52% reduction. Some cities reinvest proceeds into safety improvements; Orlando has funded 65 road and pedestrian safety projects with approximately $4.1 million since 2017.
Notably, smaller municipalities often rely more heavily on camera revenue. West Miami derives over 15% of its total revenue from just six cameras—making them the second-largest funding source after property taxes. This financial dependence raises questions about whether safety or revenue generation is the primary motivation behind these programs.
Legal Challenges to Florida's Red Light Cameras
Legal battles have shaped the evolution of Florida's red light camera enforcement since their inception. Court decisions throughout the state continue to define boundaries for these controversial traffic systems.
Are red light cameras legal in Florida? Current status
Yes, red light cameras remain legal in Florida. The Florida Supreme Court definitively ruled in their favor in 2018, rejecting claims that town officials in Aventura erred by allowing external agencies to review potential violations. This landmark decision upheld the Mark Wandall Traffic Safety Act, which authorizes red light cameras statewide. Notwithstanding multiple legislative attempts to rescind these laws, the cameras continue operating across numerous municipalities.
Major court rulings on red light cameras (2020-2025)
The Third District Court of Appeal delivered a significant ruling in 2020 that preserved red light camera programs throughout Florida. This decision affirmed that variations in enforcement levels between different cities do not violate the state requirement for uniform traffic laws. Similarly, in 2022, the Florida Supreme Court rejected a motorist's challenge to a credit-card fee charged after receiving a red light violation, further strengthening the legal foundation for these programs.
Constitutional arguments against enforcement
Constitutional challenges primarily center on due process concerns. Critics have argued that red light cameras improperly shift the burden of proof to defendants. This position gained temporary traction in 2014 when a Miami-Dade judge ruled Hollywood's program unconstitutional for giving excessive power to private vendors. Nevertheless, higher courts subsequently overturned this decision.
Another constitutional argument focuses on the Confrontation Clause of the Sixth Amendment, which grants defendants the right to confront their accusers. Thus far, courts have generally rejected these claims, deeming cameras valid law enforcement tools.
As of 2024, lawmakers introduced new transparency requirements rather than banning the systems outright. This legislation requires cities using cameras to produce detailed annual reports including financial data and discuss any new contracts in public meetings.
Conclusion
Red light cameras remain a controversial traffic enforcement tool in Florida, with data showing complex and sometimes contradictory effects. Though angle collisions decreased at some intersections, rear-end crashes rose significantly across monitored locations. These mixed results suggest careful consideration before expanding camera programs further.
Safety data from 2015-2025 highlights both benefits and drawbacks. While fatal crashes stayed relatively stable, serious injury accidents increased 19% at camera-equipped intersections. Additionally, the program's substantial revenue generation—over $1.28 billion since inception—raises questions about whether safety or financial gains drive implementation decisions.
Despite legal challenges, Florida courts consistently uphold red light camera programs. However, declining participation among municipalities indicates growing skepticism about their effectiveness. Currently, only 39 jurisdictions maintain active programs, down from 82 in 2014.
Red light cameras affect your daily commute and safety on Florida roads. Therefore, understanding their impact helps you make informed decisions about travel routes and driving habits.
If you have been injured in a car accident and need a lawyer, call our Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Estero, Bonita Springs, and Naples Auto Accident Attorneys at Pittman Law Firm, PL today for a free consultation.
FAQs
Q1. Are red light cameras still legal in Florida? Yes, red light cameras remain legal in Florida. The Florida Supreme Court upheld their legality in 2018, rejecting claims against their constitutionality. While some municipalities have discontinued their programs, many cities continue to use red light cameras as a traffic enforcement tool.
Q2. How do red light cameras affect accident rates? The impact of red light cameras on accident rates is mixed. While some intersections have seen a decrease in angle collisions, there has been a notable increase in rear-end crashes at camera-equipped intersections. Overall crash data from 2015-2025 shows a 9% increase in total accidents at these locations.
Q3. How much revenue do red light cameras generate in Florida? Red light cameras in Florida have generated substantial revenue. Since the program's inception, over $1.28 billion has been collected statewide. In the 2023-2024 fiscal year alone, over 1 million notices of violation were issued, resulting in significant financial impact for both state and local governments.
Q4. Can I contest a red light camera ticket in Florida? Yes, you can dispute a red light camera ticket in Florida. Valid reasons for contesting include if someone else was driving your vehicle, if your vehicle or tag was stolen at the time of the violation, or if you entered the intersection to allow an emergency vehicle to pass or as part of a funeral procession.
Q5. How are funds from red light camera tickets distributed? The $158 fine from each red light camera ticket is distributed among various recipients. A portion goes to state transportation projects, local government safety initiatives, trauma centers, and paralysis research. Since the program's inception, $565 million has been allocated to state transportation projects alone.
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