7 Weird And (Mostly) True Laws In Florida

Laws are an essential part of society. They regulate society and help protect people and our environment. However, now and then a state’s legislation will pass a law that comes across as simply weird, unnecessary, or just plain dumb. Here are 7 weird Florida laws every driver (and pachyderm owner) should know about it.

Parking on Graves – No<

While most drivers would, out of respect, not drive over graves, it seems it was necessary to implement a law stating that. In Florida, it is explicitly illegal to drive over graves. Drivers are only allowed to use the established roadways, paved roads, and parking areas within cemeteries.

The law further states that bicycles are allowed nowhere on the premise and so bicyclists must instead park their bike outside the fenced area.

Parking in Intersections – No

While parking in the middle of an intersection may be tempting when you are in a rush, don’t do it. Not because it is dangerous, but because you may get a ticket for it.  According to this Florida law, parking on a sidewalk, crosswalk, or at the edge of a curbed street is also illegal.

When common sense is lacking, the law comes to the rescue to fill in the gaps.

Junk Cars in Waleka – No

In Welaka, Florida, vehicles that are abandon, junked, or disregarded are not allowed to be stored or deposited on private or public lands located within the city limits.

Where is the absurdity?… Well, where the heck are residents supposed to store an unused vehicle; the sky? I guess the closest cities are going to have to do the junk car storing on behalf of Welaka (space mouchers!).

Swamp Buggies Are Vehicles – No

The definition “motor vehicle” was revised on January 1, 2013 by Florida legislation with the purpose of excluding, among other vehicle types, swamp buggies.

The new definition is now described as any car, motorcycle, truck, trailer, semitrailer, truck tractor, and semitrailer that operates on public roads. This revision to the law also excludes bicycles and mopeds as classified motor vehicles.  Sorry, swamp buggy operators, bicyclists, and moped riders.

Expired Elephant Meters – No

Don’t you just hate it when you get back to your pachyderm and there is a parking citation on it! Apparently, it is (or was at one point) illegal for a resident in the State of Florida to leave their elephant tied to a parking meter without paying.

Although the origin of the law is unclear, it is believed to have been established in 1927 when the Ringling Bros. Circus moved their company’s winter operations to Sarasota. Today though, there are no records that this law is currently in place.

Couches in Carports – No

According to accessibility and design codes in Cape Coral City Florida, it is illegal for anyone have a couch in their carport.

Typically what goes in a carport is, well, a car or truck or other motor vehicle. Unless your couch has wheels and a motor, you’d best keep it out of the carport. If your couch is in fact fitted with these anomalies, please message us so we can ride with you (if it has seat belts, of course).

Skateboarding License – No

Riding a skateboard without a license in Florida is illegal?… No, it’s not. Why did we list this? Because too many websites report the opposite. Skateboarders, like bicyclists are considered pedestrians and so, a license is not required.

What is true regarding skateboarding laws is that Florida requires individuals 16 years and younger to wear a safety helmet while skateboarding and Miami in particular bans skateboarding in police stations.

Do you know of any other weird laws in Florida? Share them in the comments.