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Miami-Dade County Public Schools is announcing the relaunch of the Miami-Dade school bus camera safety program administered by BusPatrol, marking a renewed and coordinated effort to protect students at bus stops across the county.
On April 22, the School Board unanimously voted to restart the program. This time, officials are emphasizing tighter coordination among all stakeholders and ongoing community education to increase awareness of the law.
The program, one of the largest in the nation, uses artificial intelligence stop-arm camera technology installed on nearly 1,000 school buses to detect drivers who illegally pass stopped buses while children are boarding or exiting. Recorded evidence will be reviewed by the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office, for violation determinations.
The Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office brought concerns to light in 2025, leading state lawmakers to clarify elements of Florida law governing the adjudication process, paving the way for a more streamlined and transparent program, which includes virtual hearings administered by a local hearing officer.
Now if drivers wish to contest a notice of violation, they may do so through a virtual administrative hearing process with an administrative law judge from the Florida Division of Administrative Hearings. This change was unanimously voted by the Legislature last year and provides greater consistency between other traffic camera programs statewide.
“This initiative is focused on ensuring we are doing everything possible to protect children during one of the most vulnerable times of their day, while making certain the process is fair, accountable, and transparent,” said Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz.
“With the updated procedures now in place and enhanced coordination across agencies, the program can be implemented effectively, and will be closely monitored for any needed changes, and to ensure it promotes safer, more responsible driving.”
BusPatrol, which partners with School Districts across Florida and the country, says its community-based program enhances student safety around school buses while also investing significantly in driver education efforts.
“Miami-Dade, with a united front among all stakeholders, is setting the standard for how a thoughtful, community-based program should be implemented—with strong oversight, tight coordination among stakeholders, and a shared commitment to student safety,” said Steve Randazzo, Chief Growth Officer at BusPatrol.
“Inclusive education, smart enforcement, and responsible use of cutting-edge technology are all essential elements in 2026 for improving roadway safety.”
Across Florida, thousands of illegal passes of stopped school buses are reported daily, exposing students to serious risk. Safety officials say these school bus stop arm programs help surface a widespread problem that often goes unreported. Over time, these programs reduce violations as drivers change their behavior.
“We have a responsibility to ensure every student can get to and from school safely, and this program is a critical part of that commitment,” said José L. Dotres, Superintendent of Miami-Dade Public Schools.
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