3 Laws You Need to Know Before You Travel to Florida

There are a lot of rules — official and unofficial — when visiting Walt Disney World. Whether they’re related to travel, hotels, parks, transportation, or dining, there can be a ton to remember. However, some of the most important things to keep in mind are the laws of the state of Florida!

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In the United States, every state has a different set of laws, and Florida is no exception to the rule. No one wants to deal with legal issues during a long-awaited Disney World vacation, and these are some of the most important laws you won’t want to break!

Driving in the Rain

If you spend any amount of time driving in Florida, the odds are you’re going to be driving in the rain at some point, thanks to the ubiquity of daily rainstorms. Because of that, it’s important to know some key rain laws.

According to Florida Statute 316.217, drivers must turn on their headlights (and taillights, by default) in rain, smoke, or fog, even if it’s raining while the sun is out. However, drivers are prohibited from turning on their hazard lights while driving in the rain, which many people do when driving in a downpour, unless they pull over to the side of the road.

Cell Phone Use

Currently, Florida Statute 316.306 prohibits the use of handheld cell phones in school zones and construction zones where workers are present. This ban includes talking and texting, and results in a $60 base fine for the first offense and a three-point penalty on the driver’s record.

However, if a bill filed by Republican Erin Grall were to become law, it would make it illegal for drivers to call from their phone, hold it, or even rest it on their laps. The bill specifies ‘Handheld manner’ means holding a wireless communications device in one or both hands or physically supporting the device with any other part of the body.

Driving to Disney World

License Plate Obstruction

If you find yourself driving a car with Florida license plates — either as a Florida resident or a rental car you need to know Statute 320.061. This law makes obstruction of a Florida license plate through blocking, covering, distorting, or even slightly obscuring illegal, to the tune of a second-degree misdemeanor. The bill also stresses that “substance, reflective matter, illumination device, spray, coating, or covering” that would interfere with the visibility of the plate are also banned. Penalties for knowingly driving with a covered plate include up to 60 days in jail or a $500 fine.

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If you find yourself driving the roads during your next visit to the Sunshine State, be sure to keep these somewhat uncommon laws in mind. Stay tuned to DFB for more tips on traveling around the U.S.

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Do you usually drive while in Florida? Have you ever encountered any of these laws? Let us know in the comments below.