While total gross collections from red-light camera citations in Lakeland run into the millions annually, the net amount retained by the city is substantially lower after statutory distributions and program operating fees.
City commissioners at their Oct. 5 meeting will consider a change to its ordinance that will allow the placement of more cameras. The meeting is at 9 a.m. at City Hall, 228 S. Massachusetts Ave.
Fine Distribution Breakdown
For every $158 red-light camera citation issued in Florida:
- $75 goes to the City of Lakeland
- $70 goes to the State of Florida
- $10 goes to Local Trauma Units
- $3 goes to the Miami Project to Cure Paralysis
Revenue vs. Expenses
Out of the gross collections (which totaled around $3.3M to $3.4M in recent fiscal years):
- Over $1.5M is passed through directly to the State of Florida and other state-mandated programs.
- Monthly vendor service fees paid to Verra Mobility (the camera contractor) cover hardware, maintenance, and processing.
- The remaining balance—typically around $1.2M gross city revenue—funds local program administration, law enforcement equipment (such as license plate readers), and the city’s General Fund.
Depending on specific operational expenses, vendor fee structures, and citation volume in a given budget year, the net fiscal surplus directed into the city’s general budget often hovers in the mid-to-high six-figure range.
Legal Notice: Proposed 26-032
This site serves as a secondary notice of City of Lakeland Public Hearings.
PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Commission of the City of Lakeland, Florida, will consider passage of the following titled ordinance(s) at a City Commission meeting which commences at 9:00 A.M. on Monday, October 5, 2026, in the City Commission Chamber at City Hall, Lakeland, Florida:
- PROPOSED 26-032; AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF LAKELAND, FLORIDA, AMENDING CHAPTER 98 “TRAFFIC AND VEHICLES”, ARTICLE III, ENTITLED “RED LIGHT INFRACTIONS” OF THE CITY CODE; AUTHORIZING THE ADDITIONAL PLACEMENT, INSTALLATION AND OPERATION OF TRAFFIC INFRACTION DETECTION SYSTEMS FOR ENFORCEMENT OF RED LIGHT VIOLATIONS IN SPECIFIED INTERSECTIONS WITHIN THE JURISDICTION OF THE CITY OF LAKELAND THAT CONSTITUTE A HEIGHTENED SAFETY RISK WARRANTING ADDITIONAL ENFORCEMENT MEASURES; MAKING FINDINGS; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
INTERESTED PERSONS may inspect such proposed ordinances at the City Attorney’s Office in City Hall and may appear and be heard at the meeting with respect to the proposed ordinances. Anyone deciding to appeal a decision by the City Commission on the above subject matter at this hearing will need a record of the proceedings and, for purposes of that appeal, may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceeding is made, including the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be made.
In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 286.26, Florida Statute, persons with disabilities needing special accommodation to participate in this proceeding, or those requiring language assistance (free of charge) should contact the City of Lakeland ADA Specialist, Kristin Meador. Because providing a reasonable accommodation may require outside assistance, organizations, or resources, the City asks that any request be made with as much notice as possible, preferably 72 hours, but no later than 48 hours in advance of the event, at: (863) 834-6040, Email: [email protected]. If hearing impaired, please contact the TDD numbers: Local – (863) 834-8333 or 1-(800) 955-8771 (TDD – Telecommunications Device for the Deaf) or the Florida Relay Service number: 1-(800) 955-8770 (VOICE), for assistance.