Florida school speed zone cameras ripping drivers off says county magistrate who ruled on hundreds of cases

February 26, 2026 • 13:06

A Hillsborough County magistrate has raised alarms about Florida’s school speed zone camera program, calling it a “broken system” designed to “fail drivers.” Dr. Tom Santarlas, who ruled on hundreds of cases, claims officials ignored repeated warnings about the program’s flaws. He highlighted that the law allows ticketing even when school is not in session or warning lights aren’t flashing. Santarlas also criticized the lack of visual evidence showing posted signs with violations. His reassignment after dismissing cases he found lacked sufficient evidence is viewed by him as retaliation. Both the county and sheriff’s office maintain they operate within state law, with the sheriff emphasizing a focus on public safety and children’s protection.

Read the article at Tampa Bay 28