When someone who has never been to Florida imagines the state, they usually picture endless beaches and tropical getaways. The coastal parts of the peninsula may match that description, yet the rest of the area is very different.
Along with the changes in geography, you’ll see that the laws are a bit unique in the Sunshine State, too.
Floridians have some strange enforceable laws that you should know about before you visit. Some are old but still active, and others have been enacted as a sign of the crazy times we’re in.
To keep yourself from ending up in jail over something unusual you didn’t know about, follow these five laws when you visit Florida.
1. Watch Where You Park
Parking in tourist areas is notoriously difficult in a lot of Florida cities. Sometimes, tourists find ways to get creative and park anyway. This has led to regulation of parking that would otherwise sound like common sense.
By Florida law, it’s illegal for anyone (including bikes and motorcycles) to park in an intersection or at a crosswalk. It’s also prohibited to park at the edge of street curbs.
The penalty depends on where you are. Some places will fine you, while others will tow your vehicle within minutes.
2. Men Can Wear Dresses, But Not Strapless Ones
Certain cities in the Sunshine State are known for their unorthodox residential population. It’s not uncommon to see men wearing dresses in these areas.
In places like St. Petersburg and South Beach in Miami, no one bats an eye at seeing people in “unusual” clothing. You’ll probably run into men wearing clothes typically designed for women. If it’s a strapless gown, the wearer is violating Florida law.
Violators Probably Won’t Be Prosecuted, Though
Getting a police officer to bother with enforcing it is another story. In these big cities, law enforcement personnel have plenty enough to keep them busy at is.
If you’re a guy and you want to take the chance to show off your favorite dress, go for it! Just know that if you’re arrested for showing your bare shoulders, it’s not a prank the officers are pulling on you. It’s a legitimate enforceable law you violated.
3. Don’t Try to Sell Your Kids
It’s possible that this no-brainer had to become a law because so many parents take their children to the “happiest place on earth.”
After waiting in line in the sweltering heat for hours, Disney isn’t always so happy. And some parents may be willing to let their kids go to the highest bidder.
But selling your kids is illegal. Make sure you know what you’re getting into before taking little ones (or teens) to any tourist attraction in the state. Once you’re there, you’re stuck with them.
4. Recreational Weed is a No-No
Florida is a laid-back state, for sure. There are no state taxes to pay, lots of places where you can shop in a bathing suit, and legit chickens running around like pets.
However, the state still has not adopted the legalization of recreational weed. To use cannabis without fear of a fine or jail time, you must have a medical marijuana card.
On the plus side, there are many potential diagnoses that would qualify you for the card. Residents and those planning to move to Florida can read about how to get an MMJ card in this article by Veriheal.
Penalties for Cannabis Use and Possession
In the meantime, anyone caught possessing, selling, or using cannabis without the proper credentials can still be arrested. Possession or sale of more than 20 grams of cannabis, hash, or concentrates is a felony. Up to 30 years in prison and a $50,000 fine continue to be the allowable sentence.
If you must light up in Florida, keep less than 20 grams on and around you. This way, it counts as a misdemeanor with no more than a one-year sentence and up to a $1,000 fine. Suspension of your driver’s license is also a possible penalty.
5. Don’t Sing and Swim At the Same Time
Probably the least enforced law still on the books in the state is the one prohibiting singing and wearing a bathing suit. Intended to curb wild beach parties, it’s one that police officers can use if they need a violation in a pinch.
Officers can wait and watch for individuals or groups who are causing a nuisance but not technically violating a law. As soon as they start singing while wearing a bathing suit, the official can step in.
And, as a last resort, it works well to stop off-key, drunk singers from causing sound pollution.
Conclusion
Your trip to Florida should be relaxing and enjoyable. Remember, though, the state ends up with millions of tourists every year, and not all of them are as normal as you.
Between the unusual residents and the rowdy tourists, there are some laws that are necessary. As long as you’re aware of them, you can safely unwind at all your destinations.
