Slow down: Speed limits dropping from 20 mph to 15 mph in many Leon County school zones

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) - Leon County Schools is working with the Florida Department of Transportation on school zone speed limits that will impact drivers across the district.

The change comes as LCS looks to comply with state law.

According to a Facebook post from LCS, 20 school zones are impacted by the change from 20mph to 15mph.

“I’m actually excited for it,” said Michael Nelson, whose daughter attends Canopy Oaks Elementary. “It’s better for the kids. Then they can see the cars coming, instead of them just zooming right past them.”

Parents told WCTV reckless driving is a problem in some school zones.

“They’ll go like 40 miles an hour through the school zone,” one parent, Cynthia Fitz-Randolph, said. “That’s a little nerve racking if you had a child walking across that road.”

According to FDOT, the change is the result of state legislation passed in 2019, which prompted the agency to adjust its standards for school zones. For parents, it’s a no-brainer.

“That’s why I’m extra careful,” parent Karah Tease said. “I’ve just had situations where the kids just aren’t paying attention as they leave school.”

In a statement to WCTV, a spokesperson for TPD said, “We will continue to regularly monitor and enforce the speed limits in school zones. Drivers are reminded to pay attention to the new speed limit signs, as several school zone speed limits have changed.”

According to Florida statute, for speed exceeding the limit by a specific amount of mph shall be fined:

1-5 mph..........Warning

6-9 mph..........$25

10-14 mph..........$100

15-19 mph..........$150

20-29 mph..........$175

30 mph and above..........$250

A person cited for exceeding the speed limit by up to 5 mph in a legally posted school zone will be fined $50. A person exceeding the speed limit in a school zone will pay a fine double the amount listed above.

The full list of zones from LCS can be found below:

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