The City of Panama City is implementing the RedSpeed automated photo enforcement program in 11 designated school zones to protect students and reduce speeding during critical school hours. This initiative, authorized by recent Florida legislation, is designed to enhance safety for students, parents, and school staff by encouraging drivers to slow down in active school zones.
The program initially launched with a warning-only period on February 17, 2026, allowing drivers time to adjust. During the early rollout, the City identified that four school zones were not fully operational. Implementation was briefly delayed, allowing for the installation of enhanced safety features, such as additional signage and flashing lights, to improve visibility and strengthen the overall warning system. These upgrades are now complete, and all school zones are fully equipped, properly signed, and operating as intended.
A new 30-day warning period for all school zones will begin on April 22, 2026. During this time, motorists who exceed the speed limit in designated school zones will receive warnings, providing notice of the violation and an opportunity to correct their behavior. This phase is intended to educate drivers and support a smooth transition to full enforcement. Official full enforcement, which includes issuance of a $100 Notice of Violation, will begin on May 22, 2026.
For more information about the program, including a list of impacted schools, their school zone hours, and answers to frequently asked questions, visit www.panamacity.gov/878/School-Speed-Zone
