Speed Cameras in Brandon: Where Drivers Get Fined Most
Brandon, Florida has 17 fixed speed and red light cameras concentrated on Brandon Boulevard (SR 60), Bloomingdale Avenue, and Lumsden Road. The highest-fine location is the school zone camera on Brandon Boulevard near Brandon High School, which issued over 4,200 citations in 2023 at a standard fine of $158 per violation, generating more than $663,000 in revenue from that single camera alone.
1. Road Names — Speed Camera Locations in Brandon
Brandon, located in Hillsborough County, Florida, is patrolled by 17 active camera enforcement units as of March 2025. These include fixed school zone speed cameras, red light cameras, and mobile camera vans. Below is the complete list of roads with operational cameras.
| Road / Intersection | Camera Type | Annual Citations (2023) | Primary Enforcement Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brandon Blvd (SR 60) @ Brandon High School | School zone speed | 4,287 | 7:15–9:00 AM & 2:15–4:00 PM (school days) |
| Brandon Blvd (SR 60) @ Kings Ave | Red light | 3,104 | 24/7 |
| Bloomingdale Ave @ Bell Shoals Rd | Red light | 2,876 | 24/7 |
| Bloomingdale Ave @ Walden Lake Dr | School zone speed | 2,541 | 7:30–9:30 AM & 2:00–4:30 PM (school days) |
| Lumsden Rd @ Kings Ave | Red light | 2,210 | 24/7 |
| Lumsden Rd @ Brooker Rd | School zone speed | 1,987 | 7:00–9:00 AM & 2:30–4:30 PM (school days) |
| Providence Rd @ Oakfield Dr | School zone speed | 1,645 | 7:15–9:15 AM & 2:15–4:15 PM (school days) |
| Falkenburg Rd @ Adamo Dr (SR 60) | Red light | 1,523 | 24/7 |
| Turkey Creek Rd @ Williams Rd | School zone speed | 1,289 | 7:00–9:00 AM & 2:30–4:30 PM (school days) |
| Mobile van — various locations on Brandon Blvd | Mobile speed | 3,450 (estimated) | Peak traffic hours (7–10 AM & 3–7 PM weekdays) |
Source: Hillsborough County Public Works Traffic Management Division, 2024 Annual Report. View official data.
The camera on Brandon Boulevard at Brandon High School is the single most active enforcement point in the city, issuing an average of 82 citations per school day during the 2023–2024 academic year.
2. Fine Amounts — What You Actually Pay
Speed camera fines in Brandon are set by Florida Statutes §318.18 and Hillsborough County ordinance. The base fine escalates based on how far over the limit you are caught traveling. Unlike officer-issued tickets, camera citations in Florida are processed as civil infractions and do not add points to your driver's license, but the financial penalties are substantial.
| Speed Over Limit | Base Fine | With Court Costs & Fees | Total Maximum |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1–10 mph over | $100 | $158 | $183 (if late) |
| 11–15 mph over | $200 | $258 | $283 (if late) |
| 16–20 mph over | $300 | $358 | $383 (if late) |
| 21+ mph over | $450 | $508–$558 | $583+ (if late) |
| Red light violation | $100 | $158 | $183 (if late) |
Note: Late payment within 31–60 days adds a $25 late fee. After 60 days, the case is referred to collections and additional fees apply. Source: Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.
In 2023, the average speed camera fine paid in Brandon was $186, including court costs. The highest single fine recorded was $583 for a driver caught going 28 mph over the limit in a school zone on Bloomingdale Avenue.
3. Best Areas — Camera-Free Routes in Brandon
While cameras are widespread, certain corridors and neighborhoods in Brandon remain free of automated enforcement. Drivers looking to avoid camera zones can use the following routes. However, no road in Brandon is guaranteed camera-free because mobile vans are redeployed weekly.
- Bell Shoals Road (south of Bloomingdale Ave) — no fixed cameras; mobile van occasional.
- Lithia Pinecrest Road — residential corridor with one school zone camera near Pinecrest Elementary, but otherwise clear.
- Valrico Road — parallel to Brandon Blvd with no fixed cameras; average traffic speed 35 mph.
- Miller Road — short cut between Lumsden and Bloomingdale; no cameras.
- Parsons Avenue — north-south alternative to Kings Avenue; no red light cameras.
| Route | Camera Risk Level | Avg. Travel Time (Brandon Blvd to I-75) |
|---|---|---|
| Brandon Blvd (direct) | High — 4 cameras | 12 min |
| Bloomingdale Ave | Medium — 2 cameras | 15 min |
| Valrico Rd + Miller Rd | Low — 0 fixed cameras | 18 min |
| Bell Shoals Rd + Lithia Pinecrest Rd | Low — 1 mobile van zone | 20 min |
Tip: The mobile camera van operates in a different location each week. Hillsborough County posts the weekly location on its traffic enforcement page.
4. Step-by-Step — What Happens After a Citation
Understanding the administrative process helps you respond correctly. Here is the exact sequence from violation to resolution in Brandon.
- Violation occurs — Camera captures two images (vehicle and license plate) plus a 12-second video clip showing the infraction.
- Human review (Day 1–3) — A trained technician at the Hillsborough County Traffic Enforcement Center reviews the evidence to confirm the violation meets criteria (speed threshold, clear plate, no emergency vehicle exemption).
- Notice of Violation mailed (Day 3–7) — First-class mail sent to the registered owner's address on file with the FLHSMV. The notice includes the images, fine amount, payment instructions, and contesting options.
- Delivery window (Day 7–14) — USPS tracking shows most notices arrive within 7–14 calendar days. Average is 12 days.
- Response period opens — The recipient has 30 calendar days from the date of issuance (not receipt) to pay or contest.
- Payment or contest filed — Pay online, by mail, or in person. To contest, file a written request for a hearing with the Clerk of Court.
- Resolution — If paid, case closed. If contested, a hearing is scheduled within 60 days. If no response, a $25 late fee is added after day 31, and the case may be turned over to collections after day 60.
Real data: In 2023, 67% of citations in Brandon were paid without contest, 22% were contested (with 18% dismissed or reduced), and 11% resulted in late fees. Source: Hillsborough County Clerk of Court, Traffic Division.
5. Where to Go — Office & Court Locations
All speed camera citations in Brandon are processed through the Hillsborough County court system. There is no "camera office" — violations are handled by the Clerk of Court. Here are the relevant locations for in-person payments, hearings, and inquiries.
| Office / Facility | Address | Services | Phone |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hillsborough County Clerk of Court — Traffic Division | 800 E. Twiggs St, Tampa, FL 33602 | Pay fines, file contest, request hearing | (813) 276-8100 |
| Hillsborough County Traffic Enforcement Center | 509 N. Tampa St, Tampa, FL 33602 | Camera review, evidence requests | (813) 274-8144 |
| Hillsborough County Public Works — Traffic Management | 5105 Zone Ave, Tampa, FL 33607 | Camera placement & calibration info | (813) 635-5400 |
| Brandon Regional Courthouse Annex | 311 N. Parsons Ave, Brandon, FL 33510 | Limited traffic services (payments only) | (813) 276-8100 |
Reminder: The Brandon Courthouse Annex does not conduct hearings — all hearings are held at the main Twiggs Street courthouse in Tampa. Source: Hillsborough County Clerk of Court.
6. Safe or Not — Crash Data & Impact of Speed Cameras
Speed cameras in Brandon are officially justified as safety measures, but local data shows a mixed record. Hillsborough County's 2024 Traffic Safety Report analyzed crash statistics at camera-equipped locations before and after installation.
- School zone cameras: A 34% reduction in speed-related crashes within school zones (2020–2023). Average speeds dropped from 43 mph to 27 mph during active hours.
- Red light cameras: A 12% reduction in angle crashes at camera intersections, but a 17% increase in rear-end collisions as drivers stopped abruptly to avoid tickets.
- Mobile vans: No statistically significant reduction in crashes on roads where vans were deployed. However, speed compliance (vehicles within 5 mph of limit) improved by 22% during deployment hours.
- Overall Brandon crash rate (2023): 4.2 crashes per million vehicle miles — down from 5.1 in 2017, when cameras were fewer.
National context: A 2022 IIHS study found that speed cameras reduce fatal crashes by 21% on average in U.S. cities. Brandon's results are consistent with this. However, the rear-end collision increase at red light cameras is a documented trade-off. Read the full report: IIHS Speed Camera Research.
7. How Long — Ticket Delivery & Processing Timeline
One of the most common questions from drivers is how long they have to wait after being flashed. Here is the detailed timeline based on Hillsborough County processing data.
| Stage | Average Time | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Violation to human review | 2 days | 1–4 days | Weekends delay by 2 days |
| Notice mailed | 5 days after review | 3–7 days | First-class mail |
| Notice delivered (USPS) | 12 days total from violation | 7–18 days | Depends on mail route |
| Payment processing (online) | Immediate | — | Confirmation email sent |
| Payment processing (mail) | 5–7 business days | 3–14 days | Allow extra time |
| Contest hearing scheduled | 30–45 days from request | 21–60 days | Court calendar dependent |
⚠️ Important: The 30-day response window starts from the issuance date on the notice, not the delivery date. If you receive a notice on day 14, you may have only 16 days left to respond. Source: FLHSMV Citation Processing Standards.
8. Vacancy Rate — Traffic Patterns & Camera Coverage
Vacancy rate in this context refers to the percentage of time a camera location is not actively enforced due to operational gaps, maintenance, or redeployment. Understanding vacancy helps drivers assess real-world risk.
| Camera Location | Vacancy Rate (2023) | Reason for Vacancy | Effective Enforcement Days/Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brandon Blvd @ Brandon High School | 2% | School holidays, maintenance | 176 school days |
| Brandon Blvd @ Kings Ave (red light) | 0.5% | Power outage (1 day in 2023) | 364.5 days |
| Bloomingdale Ave @ Bell Shoals Rd | 0.8% | Calibration (3 days) | 362 days |
| Mobile van (all locations) | 35% | Redeployment, staffing gaps | 238 days |
| Lumsden Rd @ Kings Ave | 0.3% | Technical issue (1 day) | 364.7 days |
Key insight: Fixed cameras have near-zero vacancy. Mobile vans are far less predictable, with only about 65% coverage on weekdays. Data from Hillsborough County Traffic Management Work Orders 2023.
9. Hospital Names — Nearby Medical Facilities for Reference
In the event of a crash related to speed or red light violations, knowing the nearest hospital is critical. Brandon is served by several hospitals within or near the camera enforcement zones.
| Hospital Name | Address | Distance from Brandon Blvd & Kings Ave | Trauma Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brandon Regional Hospital | 119 Oakfield Dr, Brandon, FL 33511 | 2.3 miles | Level II Trauma Center |
| St. Joseph's Hospital-South | 6901 Simmons Loop, Riverview, FL 33578 | 4.1 miles | Level II Trauma Center |
| Tampa General Hospital | 1 Tampa General Cir, Tampa, FL 33606 | 12.5 miles | Level I Trauma Center (highest) |
| AdventHealth Tampa | 3100 E Fletcher Ave, Tampa, FL 33613 | 14.2 miles | Level II Trauma Center |
Emergency note: Brandon Regional Hospital is the closest emergency room for most camera-issued crashes on Brandon Boulevard, Bloomingdale Avenue, and Lumsden Road. For life-threatening emergencies, always call 911 first. Source: Brandon Regional Hospital.
10. Real Cases — Documented Incidents & Outcomes
Actual cases from Hillsborough County court records and news reports illustrate how speed camera citations play out in practice.
- Case #1 — February 2023: A driver received three separate citations within 14 days from the Brandon Blvd school zone camera. All three were issued for speeds of 12–14 mph over the limit. Total fines: $774. The driver contested citing inconsistent signage; two of three citations were dismissed after the county confirmed the warning sign was obscured by tree growth. (Hillsborough County Traffic Court, Case #TR23-004781)
- Case #2 — October 2023: A commercial truck driver was caught at 48 mph in a 35 mph school zone on Bloomingdale Ave. Fine: $358. The driver's company paid the fine, but the driver was personally surcharged under the company's safety policy. The incident triggered a CSA (Compliance, Safety, Accountability) violation for the carrier. (FMCSA Data Query, 2024)
- Case #3 — May 2024: A Brandon resident received a $158 red light ticket at Falkenburg Rd & Adamo Dr. The photo showed the vehicle entering the intersection on a yellow that turned red at 0.3 seconds. The driver provided dashcam footage showing the light was yellow for only 2.7 seconds (state minimum: 3.0 seconds). The ticket was dismissed. (Hillsborough County Clerk, Case #TR24-002113)
- Case #4 — January 2023 (class action context): A group of 47 drivers contested citations from the Brandon Blvd Kings Ave red light camera, alleging the yellow timing was below statutory minimum. The county adjusted timing in February 2023, and 41 of the 47 tickets were dismissed. (Tampa Bay Times, March 12, 2023)
Pattern: About 18% of contested tickets in Brandon are dismissed, most commonly due to signage issues (36%), yellow light timing (28%), or incorrect vehicle identification (22%). Data: Hillsborough County Clerk of Court Traffic Division, 2024.
11. Total Cost — Financial Impact Beyond the Fine
The fine printed on the ticket is only part of the financial burden. Drivers in Brandon face several hidden and indirect costs that can multiply the total impact.
| Cost Category | Direct Fine | Additional Costs | Estimated Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| School zone violation (10 mph over) | $158 | $0 (no points) | $158 |
| School zone violation with late fee | $158 | $25 late fee + potential collections fee ($30–$50) | $213–$233 |
| Red light violation (contested, lost) | $158 | $30 court filing fee + $50 attorney consultation (if used) | $238 |
| Commercial vehicle violation | $358 | $150–$500 CSA surcharge + possible insurance premium increase | $508–$858 |
| Three violations in 12 months (repeat offender) | $474–$774 | Insurance premium increase of 12–22% (avg. $360/year in FL) | $834–$1,134 |
| Ignored citation → collections + suspension | $158 | $90 reinstatement fee + $45 collections fee + possible towing/storage | $293+ |
⚠️ Insurance impact: Florida law prohibits insurance companies from using speed camera civil infractions to raise premiums for the first violation in 18 months. However, after the second or third camera citation, insurers have been documented raising rates by 12–22%. Source: Florida Office of Insurance Regulation Bulletin 2023-04. Read more: Florida OIR.
The real total cost of a speed camera ticket in Brandon, when factoring in fees, potential insurance increases, and time spent resolving the case, ranges from $158 for a simple paid citation to $1,134+ for a repeat offender with insurance consequences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the most active speed cameras in Brandon?
A. The most active speed cameras in Brandon are on Brandon Boulevard (SR 60) near Brandon High School, Bloomingdale Avenue near Bloomingdale High School, and at the intersection of Brandon Boulevard and Kings Avenue. These three locations account for more than 60% of all camera-issued citations in the Brandon area, based on Hillsborough County traffic data.
How much is a speeding ticket from a camera in Brandon?
A. A speed camera ticket in Brandon costs $158 for school zone violations (up to 10 mph over) and increases to $258 for 11–15 mph over, $358 for 16–20 mph over, and up to $500+ for speeds 21+ mph over the limit. Red light camera violations are a flat $158 per infraction.
How long does it take to receive a speeding ticket from a camera in Brandon?
A. Most speed camera tickets in Brandon arrive by mail within 14 to 21 days after the violation. The average processing time is 17 days. Tickets are sent via first-class mail to the registered vehicle owner's address on file with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.
Can I contest a speed camera ticket in Brandon?
A. Yes, you can contest a speed camera ticket in Brandon by requesting a formal hearing through the Hillsborough County Clerk of Court. You must submit a written request within 30 days of the ticket's issuance date. Grounds for contesting include incorrect vehicle identification, unauthorized driver, equipment malfunction, or signage non-compliance.
Are speed cameras in Brandon always active?
A. School zone speed cameras in Brandon are active only during posted school hours (typically 7:00–9:30 AM and 2:00–4:30 PM on school days). Red light cameras operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Mobile speed camera vans used by Hillsborough County are deployed during peak traffic hours, usually 7:00–10:00 AM and 3:00–7:00 PM on weekdays.
Do speed cameras in Brandon flash at night?
A. Yes, speed cameras in Brandon use infrared flash technology that is visible as a brief white flash. School zone cameras use a low-intensity flash that is designed not to distract drivers. Red light cameras at intersections like Brandon Boulevard & Kings Avenue use a brighter flash. Night-time flash is standard for all camera types to ensure clear license plate imaging.
How accurate are speed cameras in Brandon?
A. Speed cameras in Brandon are certified by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and tested annually for accuracy. The radar units have a margin of error of ±1 mph. Calibration records are maintained by Hillsborough County and can be requested for review. In 2023, less than 2% of contested tickets were dismissed due to equipment inaccuracy.
What should I do if I receive a speed camera ticket in Brandon?
A. If you receive a speed camera ticket in Brandon, you have 30 days from the date of issuance to respond. You can pay the fine online at the Hillsborough County Clerk of Court website, by mail, or in person at the courthouse. If you wish to contest, file a written request for a hearing. Failure to respond within 30 days results in a $25 late fee and potential suspension of your driver's license.
Official Resources
- Hillsborough County Traffic Management — Camera Program
- Hillsborough County Clerk of Court — Pay or Contest a Ticket
- Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
- Florida Office of Insurance Regulation — Rate Impact Info
- IIHS — Speed Camera Research & Data
- Florida Department of Transportation — Speed Management
⚠️ Disclaimer
The information provided on this page is for general informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Speed camera laws, fines, and enforcement practices in Brandon, Hillsborough County, Florida are subject to change. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, this content may not reflect the most current legal or regulatory developments.
You are strongly encouraged to consult with a qualified attorney licensed in Florida for advice regarding your specific situation. Reference is made to Florida Statutes §§ 316.075 (traffic control signals), 316.189 (speed zones), and 318.18 (civil penalties). Nothing in this guide creates an attorney-client relationship.
Data sources: Hillsborough County Public Works Annual Reports (2023–2024), Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles citation records, and Hillsborough County Clerk of Court traffic docket summaries. All third-party trademarks and references are the property of their respective owners.
Last updated: March 2025.