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County increases local driver-education fee to $5 under state statute to support school programs
Summary
The board adopted an ordinance to raise the locally collected civil-traffic fee used to support driver education from $3 to the $5 maximum authorized by Florida Statute 318.1215; a school official described expansion of in-school driver-education offerings in Pinellas County.
Pinellas County commissioners on Aug. 19 adopted an ordinance amending county code to increase the locally collected fee for driver-education support from $3 to $5 per civil traffic penalty, the maximum allowed under Florida Statute 318.1215. The measure passed unanimously.
A school district official who identified himself as Kevin described the district’s driver-education programs to the board, saying the district now offers driver education in 14 of 16 high schools and provides after-school camps and summer offerings open to public, private and homeschool students. “We now offer it in 14 of our 16 high schools during the day. We offer camps after school and in the summer. ... It’s one of the most important things we do in terms of life-ready skills,” the school official said.
Commissioners who spoke during the hearing referenced the program’s value and the local history of advocacy for driver safety. Commissioner LaValle recalled advocacy by families and former leaders tied to seat belt and safety work. The ordinance was moved by Commissioner Peters, seconded by Commissioner Flowers, and passed unanimously.
The ordinance implements a local fee change authorized by Florida Statute 318.1215; the statute sets the maximum local fee that can be collected on civil traffic penalties and earmarked for driver education programs. The board did not alter program eligibility or school curriculum during the meeting; the fee change increases local revenue that the county and partners can use to support instruction costs, vehicle leasing or instructor pay as designed by implementing agreements.
(Reporting note: the statute cited in the meeting record is Florida Statute 318.1215 and the fee change was described by county staff and school district representatives during the hearing.)
