5/14/09-A bill has died that sought to allow cameras to be posted throughout the state to nab red-light runners. This is the six straight year legislation has been offered in the state to set statewide standards for red-light cameras.
The cameras snap pictures of red-light runners’ vehicle tags. Tickets are mailed to the vehicles’ owners, regardless who was driving at the time. Florida law neither permits nor forbids the use of red-light cameras to fine violators, but governments have been reluctant to post them because of privacy and other concerns.
The latest attempt to require local governments to adopt their own ordinances to put the program in place failed to advance to the governor’s desk despite receiving overwhelming approval in both chambers. HB439 stalled due to House and Senate lawmakers’ inability to reconcile differences in their versions.
The most notable difference of opinion was about how to divvy up ticket revenues. On state roads, the Senate wanted the state to keep the $150 fines. If infractions occurred on city or county roads, locals would keep $90 with the state getting $60. House lawmakers sought to permit cities and counties where the roads are located to keep at least $85 of tickets, in all cases.