As a popular tourist destination and one of the most populous states in the US, Florida, the Sunshine State, has its fair share of interesting laws. While some may seem outdated or bizarre, they are still technically enforceable and can have consequences for those who break them.
In this article, we'll take a look at 10 weird laws in Florida that you may not have known about. From strange regulations on fishing to restrictions on what type of clothing you can wear in public, these weird laws in Florida will leave you scratching your head!
After 6 PM on Thursdays, it is illegal to fart in public places such as parks, restaurants, or other communal areas where people gather. This quirky law was cooked up to keep the peace and avoid chaos during those bustling evening hours. Break it, and you could be hit with anything from a slap-on-the-wrist fine to the ultimate "time-out" behind bars if you just can’t learn your lesson. Sure, it sounds odd, but think of it as a gentle nudge to play nice and not ruffle too many feathers in shared spaces.
If you're feeling tired and need a quick nap while getting your hair done in Florida, think again. According to state laws, it is illegal to sleep at any hair salon. The reason for this law? It's unclear, but maybe they don't want customers falling asleep during their appointments and causing delays or accidents.
Planning to take your roller skates for a spin around the neighborhood? Make sure they’re equipped with a bell! Florida law once required roller skaters to have a bell attached to alert others of their presence. It’s unclear how strictly this is enforced today, but it’s worth noting if you’re looking to relive your roller disco glory days.
Residents of Pensacola should think twice before spreading juicy gossip. While gossiping seems like a harmless pastime, in Pensacola it can lead to a costly fine or even jail time. According to the city's municipal code, "no person shall be permitted to stand in any street or on any sidewalk and gossip." It may sound like a joke, but this law is still technically in effect.
The city has this law to prohibit the spread of rumors that could damage someone’s reputation. While it’s a rule we can probably all agree with in theory, it’s hard to picture it being enforced in today’s age of social media.
According to an old Floridian law (Section 798.02 of the Florida statutes), it's illegal for unmarried couples to live together. Technically, cohabitation could land you with a second-degree misdemeanor. While this law is no longer enforced, it wasn’t until 2016 that the statute was officially repealed. This means if you’re living with your partner in Florida, you may have technically been breaking the law not too long ago.
If you’re planning on attending a party in Satellite Beach, make sure to leave your liquid latex and body paint at home. According to a city ordinance, these substances are prohibited from being applied onto the human body while in public places. The law was put into place as a way to minimize indecent exposure.
It might sound strange, but rules like this pop up all over the U.S. So, if you’re planning to go full Hulk or Mystique on Halloween, maybe keep a backup costume handy—just in case the law isn’t as impressed with your green or blue body paint as you are.
Florida has its share of laws about waste and recycling, but this one takes the cake—or should we say, the pineapple? Tossing a pineapple into a public trash bin is apparently prohibited by law. This is because pineapples take a while to decompose and can attract pests. The same goes for coconut shells.
But don't worry, you won't be arrested for throwing out your half-eaten pineapple at a picnic in the park. This law is typically only enforced in more public areas, like sidewalks or parking lots. So, if you're indulging in some tropical fruit on-the-go, just make sure to properly dispose of it in a designated area to avoid any potential fines.
As bizarre as it may sound, there is actually a law in Florida that limits the number of balloons one can release at a time. The Balloon Release Prohibition Act states that it is illegal to intentionally release more than 10 balloons within any 24-hour period. Offenders will be subject to a $250 penalty.
To release 10 or more balloons, you must obtain special permission by submitting a petition to your county's circuit court. This law was put into place in an effort to protect wildlife and prevent harm to the environment. When released, balloons can travel long distances and end up in bodies of water or on land where they can be mistaken for food by animals and cause harm when ingested. So, if you're planning a balloon-filled bash, keep it under 10 balloons—or risk popping your wallet with penalties!
In a state of emergency, make sure to omit alcohol in your last-minute shopping list. Apparently, you need to skip the booze run as it is against the law in Florida to sell, give, or serve alcoholic beverages during a declared state of emergency. Offenders can end up with a misdemeanor and face fines or even jail time.
This law was implemented to prevent looting and other behavior that could occur during times of crisis. So, if you're stocking up on supplies before a hurricane hits, make sure to leave the booze off your list—unless you want a potential run-in with the law.
Better yet, just save the drinks for after the storm passes.
If you're planning on setting up a roadside stand to sell hotdogs at the beach, think again. According to Florida law, it is illegal to sell any goods or commodities on public beaches without proper permission from the county's board of commissioners.
This rule was put into place to prevent overcrowding and maintain cleanliness on the beaches. However, there are exceptions for vendors who obtain special permits and follow certain regulations. So, if you're thinking about starting a beachside business in Florida, make sure to do your research first or else you might be stumbling upon a hefty fine.
These weird laws in Florida may seem humorous now, but many of them reflect a slice of Florida's unique history and evolving culture. Whether they were designed out of practicality, caution, or sheer whimsy, they’re a reminder that the law sometimes has a fascinating (and hilarious) side.
Next time you visit Florida, keep these quirky laws in mind—just in case you find yourself tempted to wear latex in public or sell oranges on the beach. And who knows, you might just stumble upon even more strange and obscure laws that will make you go, "Only in Florida!"
