Florida Judge Rules Red-Light Cameras Are Unconstitutional
By Rick McCann
Blue RAM Media/Gulf Coast News
March 12, 2026
BROWARD COUNTY, Fla. — A Broward County judge has recently ruled that red light cameras are unconstitutional and more than likely, his ruling will be challenged.
Across the state many jurisdictions use the cameras as a preventive and a punitive measure.
Florida has areas where red light cameras are heavily concentrated in urban areas and specific counties, notably with over 130 locations in Orange County/Orlando, alongside active programs in Hillsborough (Tampa), Pinellas (St. Petersburg), and Broward counties as well as smaller counties and cities.
That ruling made in Broward County could set a precedent and impact on how red-light cameras are used.
The registered owner of the vehicle is the person who gets the citation from a red-light camera. To contest a citation, the owner must prove they were not the driver at the time.
The Broward County judge says that’s unconstitutional because the defendant then has the burden of proving they’re innocent. Per the constitution, the prosecution should have the burden of proof.
The City of Pensacola has 13 red light cameras installed at intersections. Data from the city in August shows each location averaged nearly 100 citations a day.
The city says 2025 saw more than 29,000 violations.
“We take those as they come,” said Mayor D.C. Reeves. “If that becomes an issue and they aren’t able to be used in Florida, then we’ll adjust accordingly.”
In some areas, prosecutors say that the judge’s decision is wrong because “The statute in Florida presumes that the registered owner is the driver of the car.”
The citation in the Broward County case was dismissed. Right now, that court decision only applies in Broward County.
The City of Pensacola is not the only place with red light cameras. Gulf Breeze also has red light cameras at three intersections.
Several Alabama cities use red light cameras to enforce traffic laws, primarily focusing on high-risk intersections to reduce collisions. Confirmed cities with active programs include Montgomery, Birmingham, Mobile, Huntsville, Tuscaloosa, Center Point, Midfield, Phenix City, Selma, and Opelika. These systems typically result in fines, with some cities, like Phenix City, issuing $100 citations that do not add points to a driver’s record.
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