Are red light tickets legal in Florida? It turns out they sure are. In fact, as of June 30, 2023, the state of Florida has 476 active red light cameras. And data from the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) department shows it issued more than 1 million notices of violation in FY 2021-2022.
That’s a lot of people running red lights. Could you be one of them and not even know?
Well, this guide breaks down everything you need to know about red light camera tickets in Florida. We can show you how to check if you got a red light ticket, how they are issued, how much they cost, and as a bonus, you’ll also learn your legal options to beat a red light camera ticket in Florida!
How Red Light Camera Tickets Work in Florida
Florida uses automated traffic enforcement systems at intersections throughout the state. These systems are typically operated in partnership with private vendors such as Verra Mobility (formerly American Traffic Solutions), which assist cities and counties in processing violations.
Here’s how the process works:
- Sensors detect movement: When your vehicle approaches an intersection, sensors embedded in the roadway monitor your speed and position.
- Camera activation: If the system detects that you entered the intersection after the light turned red, it triggers the camera.
- Photo and video capture: The system records images and a short video clip of your vehicle, including your license plate.
- Review process: Contrary to popular belief, a human must review the footage. A trained officer or traffic enforcement official determines whether a violation occurred.
- Notice mailed: If approved, a Notice of Violation is mailed to the registered owner of the vehicle.
This multi-step process introduces opportunities for errors—something that can become important if you decide to contest the ticket.
Checking to See If You Have a Red Light Ticket
Because red light camera tickets in Florida are typically issued by mail rather than handed to you by a police officer, it’s entirely possible to have a violation and not realize it—especially if you’ve recently moved or there was a delay in delivery.
So, here are a few ways to check for yourself if you have a red light camera violation.
Check Your Driver’s License Status
You can check for possible violations by reviewing your driving record through the FLHSMV license check page.
By entering your driver’s license number into the state’s online system, you can:
- See if any points have been added
- Check for license suspensions مرتبط with unpaid citations
- Monitor your overall driving record
While a basic Notice of Violation typically does not add points, an escalated Uniform Traffic Citation will appear on your record.
Contact the Clerk of Court
Each county in Florida handles its own traffic citations. If you believe you may have received a ticket in a specific area, you can contact the Clerk of Court for that county.
They can help you search for outstanding citations, provide payment options, and explain deadlines and next steps. If you’ve traveled through multiple counties, you may need to check with each one individually.
Check Online Through ViolationInfo.com
One of the fastest and most common ways to check for a red light camera ticket is through ViolationInfo.com, a platform operated by Verra Mobility.
To access your ticket information enter your Notice Number and PIN, which can be found on your mailed notice. This will allow you to view photos and video of the alleged violation, confirm the status of your ticket, and make a payment if necessary.
This system is used by many Florida cities and counties and is available 24/7 for convenience.
Watch for Mail Notifications
Florida law requires that a Notice of Violation be mailed to the registered owner of the vehicle—typically within 30 days of the alleged incident.
However, relying solely on mail can be risky. Address changes, postal delays, and even lost or misplaced notices can keep you from receiving your notice in a timely fashion. That’s why it’s smart to proactively check online or with local authorities if you suspect a violation.
Why It’s Important to Check Early
Catching a red light ticket early can save you money and prevent complications. If ignored, a simple notice can escalate into a more serious Uniform Traffic Citation with higher fines, points on your license, and possible license suspension.
By checking proactively and responding on time, you give yourself the best chance to resolve the issue efficiently—or contest it if appropriate.
How Much Is a Red Light Ticket in Florida?
According to Florida Statute 316.0083, a red light camera traffic ticket costs $158. The initial violation does not usually add points to your license, but you only have 30 days to respond (sometimes up to 60 days depending on the notice).
If you fail to pay the ticket after the first notice of violation, the violation escalates into a Uniform Traffic Citation (UTC). You could face consequences such as:
- A fine of approximately $262–$277+ (costs may vary depending on the county)
- 3 Points on your license
- Court costs
- Possible license suspension
- Increased insurance premiums
Some insurance providers are more lenient than others and may ignore the violation.
Additionally, it’s important to note that you could face a higher fine if you have a not-so-stellar driving record.
What If I Ignore a Red Light Ticket?
If you receive a red light traffic citation, there are several ways to respond.
But whichever you choose, don’t ignore the ticket. That could lead to a suspended license, excessive fines, and a fee to reinstate your driver’s license. Driving on a suspended license in Florida is a second-degree misdemeanor. The penalty is as follows:
- A maximum fine of $500
- Up to 60 days in jail
So once you are aware of the ticket, take swift action to avoid further complications.
Your Three Legal Options After Receiving a Ticket
Florida law gives you three main options when responding to a traffic citation, including red light violations. You must act within 30 days of receiving the citation.
Option 1: Pay the Fine
If you decide to pay your red light ticket, it’s important to act within the required timeframe to avoid additional penalties. Missing this deadline can result in the citation being upgraded to a Uniform Traffic Citation, along with higher fines, court costs, and possible points on your license.
Florida offers several payment options:
- Online: Many drivers pay through ViolationInfo.com using the notice number and PIN provided on the citation. You can also pay through your local county clerk’s website, such as payflclerk.com, depending on where the violation occurred.
- By Mail: You may send a check or money order to the Clerk of Court listed on your notice.
- In Person: Payments can also be made directly at the Clerk of Court office in the county where the violation occurred.
Paying promptly helps you avoid escalation, additional fees, and potential impacts on your driving record.
Option 2: Contest the Citation
You have the right to challenge the ticket in court. If you want to pursue this option, it’s ideal to contact the Clerk of Court in the county where the violation occurred within 30 days of receiving the violation. Request a hearing within the required timeframe.
If the judge or hearing officer determines that you committed the violation, they may impose fines, court costs, or require you to complete a driver improvement course. However, contesting the ticket gives you the opportunity to present evidence and challenge the validity of the citation.
Option 3: Elect a Driver Improvement Course
You may be eligible to take a Basic Driver Improvement (BDI) course, which offers several benefits:
- 18% reduction in the fine
- Points may be withheld from your driving record
However, there are important limitations:
- You must elect this option within 30 days
- You can only choose this option once in any 12-month period, with a maximum of five times in your lifetime
- You must complete the course and submit proof to the Clerk of Court
Failing to complete the course within the required time can result in additional penalties or license issues.
How to Beat a Red Light Camera Ticket in Florida
Receiving a Notice of Violation does not automatically mean you are guilty. There are several legal defenses that may apply depending on the circumstances.
- You Were Not the Driver: Red light camera tickets are issued to the registered owner, not necessarily the driver. If someone else was driving you can submit a sworn affidavit identifying the actual driver. It’s best to supply the driver’s license number of the person who was driving. However, you won’t have this information if someone steals your car. In that case, include a copy of the police report. This must be done correctly and within the required deadline.
- You Made a Legal Right Turn on Red: Florida law allows drivers to turn right on red after coming to a complete stop, unless otherwise posted. Many tickets result from “rolling stops.” The key distinction is whether you came to a complete stop (legal), or you rolled and never actually stopped (violation). Video evidence is critical in proving whether your vehicle fully stopped.
- The Notice Was Not Timely: Florida law requires that the Notice of Violation be mailed within 30 days of the alleged violation. If it was sent late, the ticket may be invalid. Checking the postmark date can be an important step in building your defense.
- Equipment or Maintenance Issues: Red light camera systems require regular maintenance and calibration. If records show malfunctions, missed maintenance, or calibration issues, then the reliability of the evidence may be challenged.
- Obstructed Signs or Poor Visibility: If traffic signals, stop lines, or signage were blocked, faded, or otherwise poorly visible, then you may have a valid argument that you were not given proper notice of the traffic control.
When you receive a citation, watch the video provided. If you believe you incorrectly received the ticket, dispute it.
Understanding the Evidence Against You
To effectively challenge a ticket, you need to review the evidence.
This typically includes:
- Photos of your vehicle
- Video footage of the alleged violation
- Timestamp data
- Intersection details
Regardless of the reason, since the violations are on camera, a skilled lawyer can quickly build a red light ticket defense for you in accordance with traffic laws.
Should You Pay or Fight the Ticket?
Deciding whether to pay or fight a red light ticket is a strategic choice that depends on your specific situation. For some drivers, paying the fine makes sense because it offers a quick and convenient resolution, especially if the cost is relatively low and they want to avoid the time and effort of going to court.
However, contesting the ticket may be the better option if you believe it was issued in error, if you want to avoid points being added to your license, or if you have a strong legal defense. It can also be worth fighting the ticket if you are concerned about long-term consequences, such as increased insurance rates.
While paying may seem like the easier route, it’s important to remember that it is typically treated as an admission of guilt and can have lasting effects—particularly if it results in points on your driving record or contributes to multiple violations over time.
Why Legal Representation Matters
Navigating Florida traffic laws and court procedures can be complex. An experienced traffic attorney can:
- Review your case for errors or weaknesses
- Gather and analyze evidence
- Handle court appearances
- Negotiate for reduced penalties or dismissal
In many cases, having legal representation can significantly improve your chances of a favorable outcome.
Hire a Florida Attorney to Help You Beat Your Ticket
If you’ve received a red light camera ticket in Florida, time is not on your side. You typically have 30 days to act, and failing to do so can lead to increased fines, points on your license, and even suspension. Take the proper steps to resolve your infraction.
For help, call (813) 565-3353 now and schedule your free consultation meeting with Florida Ticket Firm. We can review your questions and provide guidance on the best solutions for your case. Se habla español.
This article was originally published on February 9, 2023, and was updated on March 18, 2026 to reflect changes in the law.