The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office announced it will expand the operating hours of school speed zone cameras to cover the entire school day, rather than just drop-off and pick-up periods.

Previously, the cameras operated only 30 minutes before and after school when warning lights were flashing. Under the new system, cameras will capture speeding violations throughout the entire school day.

Undersheriff Thomas St. John said the change addresses safety concerns and confusion caused by areas with multiple schools having different start times on the same road. The expansion aims to protect students, staff, crossing guards, and parents.

The speed limit remains 20 mph when warning lights are flashing. The cameras will now also ticket drivers exceeding regular posted speed limits during school hours, with enforcement beginning at 11 mph over the limit.

The sheriff’s office is currently installing new signage to inform drivers of the expanded camera hours. Once installation is complete in the coming weeks, full-day enforcement will begin.

The cameras were first installed in Hillsborough County school zones during the previous school year.

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