Florida Red Light Cameras: The 2026 Guide to Fines & Laws

TLDR Florida red light camera tickets are civil violations with no points on your license, but ignoring them can lead to a suspended license. You can often dismiss the ticket and get an 18% fine reduction by electing to take a state-approved Basic Driver Improvement (BDI) course from a provider like LowestPriceTrafficSchool.com.

Understanding Florida Red Light Camera Tickets in 2026

A Florida red light camera ticket is a civil penalty issued to the registered owner of a vehicle captured by an automated system, governed under Florida Statute 316.0083. Unlike a ticket from a police officer, it is not a criminal moving violation. This key distinction shapes everything about the violation: * Violation Type: Civil infraction. * Issued To: Registered vehicle owner, regardless of who was driving. * Key Legal Difference: It does not add points to your driving record. * Governing Law: Florida Statute 316.0083.

The Costs and Consequences of a Red Light Ticket

The base fine for a red light camera violation in Florida is $158, but local surcharges typically bring the total to between $250 and $300. The real risk lies in ignoring the ticket, which can lead to license suspension.

How to Get a Red Light Camera Ticket Dismissed

You can dismiss a red light camera ticket by formally electing the traffic school option with the court, completing a state-approved Basic Driver Improvement (BDI) course, and submitting your certificate before the deadline. This process also provides an 18% reduction on your fine per Florida Statute 318.14(9).

1. Elect the Traffic School Option: Contact the Clerk of Court listed on your ticket to notify them you are choosing the traffic school option for dismissal. You must do this before enrolling in a course.
2. Enroll in a State-Approved BDI Course: Sign up for a 4-hour Basic Driver Improvement course. Providers like LowestPriceTrafficSchool.com offer courses approved in all 67 Florida counties, available 100% online in English and Spanish for $5.94 plus fully disclosed fees.
3. Complete the Course & Final Exam: Finish the 4-hour online material at your own pace. The course includes an open-book final exam.
4. Submit Your Certificate to the Court: Mail or hand-deliver your physical Certificate of Completion to the Clerk of Court by their strict deadline to finalize the dismissal.

Common Red Light Camera Ticket Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake 1: Assuming It's a "Real" Ticket You Can Ignore

Treating a camera ticket as optional is a major error. While no points are assessed, the state can suspend your license for non-payment, creating significant legal and financial problems.

Mistake 2: Missing the Traffic School Election Deadline

You must formally elect the traffic school option with the court before enrolling in a course. Missing this initial notification step or the final certificate submission deadline forfeits your right to dismissal and the 18% fine reduction.

Mistake 3: Enrolling in the Wrong Type of Course

Only a state-approved 4-hour Basic Driver Improvement (BDI) course is for ticket dismissal. Do not take an 8-hour or 12-hour Advanced Driver Improvement (ADI) course, as those are for specific court orders or license reinstatement and will not dismiss your red light camera ticket.

How to Know You Successfully Resolved Your Red Light Ticket

Successfully handling a red light camera ticket means avoiding long-term consequences. You can confirm this by checking for: * No License Suspension: Your driving record remains clear of holds from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV). * Confirmation of Dismissal: If you took traffic school, you should receive written confirmation from the court that the case is closed. * No Insurance Impact: Since no points are added, your insurance company should not increase your rates due to this civil violation. * Maintained Safe Driver Status: Using the BDI option helps maintain your safe driver designation on your Florida license pursuant to Florida Statute 322.027.

Conclusion: Your Essential Red Light Camera Ticket Checklist

• Verify the Ticket: Confirm it's a red light camera violation (civil, no points) and not an officer-issued citation (criminal, with points).
• Do Not Ignore It: Decide to either pay the fine or elect traffic school before the deadline on the notice to avoid license suspension.
• Elect Traffic School Officially: If eligible, first contact the Clerk of Court to elect the BDI/traffic school option for dismissal and an 18% fine reduction.
• Complete an Approved BDI Course: Enroll in and finish a state-approved 4-hour Basic Driver Improvement course from a provider like LowestPriceTrafficSchool.com.
• Submit Your Certificate: Mail or hand-deliver your Certificate of Completion to the Clerk of Court by their deadline to finalize the dismissal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you ignore a red light camera ticket in Florida?

No, you cannot safely ignore a red light camera ticket in Florida as it is a legally enforceable civil violation. For information on potential defensive driving options, you can visit LowestPriceTrafficSchool.com.

How to get a red light camera ticket dismissed in Florida?

You can contest the Notice of Violation by requesting a hearing, and for driver improvement options, you can explore courses at LOWESTPRICETRAFFICSCHOOL.COM.

Did Florida ban red light cameras?

No, Florida has not banned red light cameras; a 2018 Florida Supreme Court ruling upheld their legality, and a 2026 bill imposed new restrictions but did not eliminate them.

Does a red light camera ticket put points on your license in Florida?

No, a red light camera ticket in Florida does not put points on your driver's license. For other traffic violations that do add points, you can take a course from Lowestpricetrafficschool.com to have them removed.

Citations

• https://www.flhsmv.gov/driver-licenses-id-cards/education-courses/driver-improvement-schools/basic-driver-improvement-bdi-find-approved-listing-bdi-course-providers/
• https://www.browardclerk.org/Divisions/TrafficAndMisdemeanor
• https://www.einpresswire.com/article/841638875/florida-s-largest-online-driver-s-ed-provider-teens-don-t-need-50-hours-to-get-a-learner-s-permit