- By: David J. Zappitell
- teen safety
- Sep 12
- Comments (0)
Thanks to the new school speed zone cameras, speeding near a school in Delray Beach could now cost you more than just a warning.
As of August 2025, Delray Beach and surrounding Palm Beach County communities began implementing automated school speed zone cameras in an effort to improve child safety and reduce car accidents, and increase safety for pedestrians in school zones.
These cameras are active during school hours and are designed to catch drivers who exceed the speed limit by more than 11 miles per hour.
If you’re a local driver, especially if you’re commuting through neighborhoods like Lake Ida, Tropic Isle, or The Set, you need to know how these changes may affect you, your insurance, and your legal rights.
As a trusted Delray Beach personal injury lawyer, David J. Zappitell of the Zappitell Law Firm is here to help you understand what these new laws mean, why they matter, and how you can stay protected on the road.
Why Are School Speed Zone Cameras Being Used?
The cameras are here for one reason: to protect kids. Speed cameras have faced constitutional challenges, but the government argues they deter speeding by making drivers more aware in school zones.
Palm Beach County has rolled out speed zone cameras in more than 20 school zones, including major areas near Atlantic Community High School, Pine Grove Elementary, and Carver Middle School. Roads like Atlantic Avenue, Linton Boulevard, and Federal Highway are under tight watch during school hours.
Drivers in East Delray, Kings Point, and Delray Shores should be especially aware. These are high-traffic areas with heavy morning and afternoon congestion; and these cameras do not take lunch breaks.
How Do These Cameras Work?
The system is fully automated. When a vehicle exceeds the school zone limit by more than 11 mph, the camera records the violation. The registered owner of the vehicle receives a citation by mail.
Fines can add up quickly!
However, there’s a 30-day grace period from the start of the program during which violators will only receive warnings. After that, real penalties will be enforced.
And no, you can’t talk your way out of a ticket with a camera.
What Drivers Need to Know About the Law
According to Florida law, school zone violations are civil infractions, not criminal offenses. However, they can still have serious consequences.
A ticket can raise your insurance premiums, and more importantly, if a pedestrian is struck by a vehicle, the recorded speed at the time of the incident can become critical in determining liability. These cameras provide clear data that can support your case. If your loved one has been injured in a school zone, we’re here to help you hold the responsible party accountable.
As the premiere Delray Beach personal injury lawyer, David J Zappitell sees these types of cases often. Your behavior behind the wheel matters more than ever now.
Protecting Kids, Teens, and the Community
This isn’t just about tickets, it’s about safety.
Teen safety is a growing concern, especially with more teen drivers commuting to local high schools. Children and teens are often distracted when crossing the road, especially during drop-off and pick-up times. Reducing vehicle speeds can make a huge difference in preventing serious injuries or deaths.
Child safety is also about visibility and reaction time. A car traveling 40 mph in a 20 mph zone has almost no time to stop if a child steps into the road. Lower speeds save lives. Period.
And now, with technology doing the monitoring, there are fewer excuses for reckless driving.
Where in Delray Beach Are These Cameras?
While the full list is not public, several Delray Beach neighborhoods and roads are confirmed to have cameras or are under consideration:
- Linton Blvd near Banyan Creek Elementary
- Seacrest Blvd near Plumosa School of the Arts
- Congress Avenue by Village Academy
- Barwick Road near Carver Middle School
These are high-traffic areas with known speeding problems.
If you live near High Point, Sherwood Park, or Country Club Acres, chances are your daily commute passes at least one of these zones.
Drive Smarter, Not Faster
The introduction of school speed zone cameras across Delray Beach and Palm Beach County is a clear message: slow down and stay alert.
These cameras are not just about revenue, they’re about kids’ safety, teen safety, and making our roads safer for everyone. If you’re driving through school zones in West Delray, The Palm Trail, or Gulf Stream, take your foot off the gas.
As your local Delray Beach personal injury law firm, we’re vehicle experts who can help you navigate the aftermath of an accident. If you find yourself facing injury from an accident, the team at Zappitell Law Firm is here to help.
We’re committed to holding reckless drivers accountable and protecting the safety of our community. Contact Us Today: Simply click here or give us a call at (561) 330-6330.
About the Author
David J. Zappitell is a Florida Bar Certified Civil Trial Lawyer and the founder of Zappitell Law Firm in Delray Beach. With decades of experience representing victims of car accidents and other personal injury cases, David has been recognized among the National Trial Lawyers: Top 100 for his dedication to justice and client advocacy.