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- Weird Florida Laws [Myths vs Reality]
Written by Daniel Foster
Fact Checked by Hristina Nikolovska
Last Updated May 07,2024
Florida is the Sunshine State, the land of sandy beaches, sprawling wetlands, and, according to the internet, some of the most peculiar laws you've ever heard of. But how many of these laws are based on fact, and how many are pure fiction?
From the legality of sleeping in hair salons to the specifics of selling oranges on the street, we will examine the most popular weird laws in Florida and tell you which ones are valid. Stay with us to find out which quirky laws really exist in the Florida Statutes and which ones belong in the category of myth and urban legend.
A commonly discussed oddity is the supposed law against women, in particular, falling asleep under a hair dryer at Florida salons. Even more interestingly, the law supposedly specifies that the salon owner would be the one facing penalties, not the woman who fell asleep if this happened.
We’ve seen this one around a few times, though a specific source or citation from Florida's legal statutes was never mentioned, leading us to believe that this isn’t official Florida legislation. However, it could be a part of local salon safety regulations or municipal codes that are not as easily accessible or widely recognized as state laws.
According to an unnamed local ordinance, it is illegal to roll a barrel down the street in Pensacola. Not only that, but the fine for breaking the law in this uncommonly specific way, reportedly depends on what is found inside the barrel you are rolling.
While the law isn’t that absurd and could very well be a part of a city's effort to maintain public safety and order, it remains largely unverified and could be an example of outdated legislation or urban legend rather than active enforcement.
If common sense and logical reasoning aren't convincing enough, Florida Statute 316.1945 will step in to enforce the rule. It seems almost comedic that such a law needs to be explicitly stated, suggesting a bizarre scenario where individuals might consider an intersection a great parking spot.
But there it is, black on white: parking at an intersection will get you a ticket. It's not just about avoiding a fine—it's a matter of safety. Intersections need to be clear for traffic to flow smoothly and safely.
Some sources cite Section 812.014 of the Florida Statutes as the basis for the claim that horse theft is punishable by death by hanging in the Sunshine State.
Granted, these sources acknowledge the fact that we don’t live in a Western movie anymore and address the fact that the punishment is considered cruel and unconstitutional under modern legal standards, but they say that it is still written in the law.
We went over the section, and we didn’t find such punishment written in it, so we will classify this law as outdated.
Another peculiar and oddly specific is the supposed law against singing in a swimsuit in Florida. Like many of the other weird laws you can read about online, this law has never been backed up with a direct citation from the Florida Statutes, which makes us question its validity.
While some of the other rumors we entertained made sense as they could be tied to safety or health regulations, the swimsuit singing law does not follow a clear rationale or necessity.
If you were planning a nice afternoon feeding the alligators and crocodiles roaming around Florida's wetlands, you're out of luck. According to Florida Statute 372.667, it is illegal and punishable by law to feed these large reptiles.
Once again, it's not the law itself but the necessity of its existence that raises eyebrows. It reflects a surprising disregard for wildlife boundaries that has led to this regulatory intervention.
This legislation aims to protect both the animals and the public by minimizing potentially hazardous interactions. So, while the thought of a leisurely feed might seem harmless, the consequences can be far-reaching.
How oddly specific and peculiar can a law get? And how in the world will this even be enforced? Will police officers start patrolling the streets, peeking into citizens' homes to ensure they're not indulging in a late-night cottage cheese snack?
The logistics of enforcement would be impractical, to say the least. This supposed law is more likely a part of local folklore or a misinterpretation of an outdated ordinance than a rule actively upheld by Tampa authorities.
Many sources online suggest that the state of Florida requires skateboarders to have a license in order to legally skate their boards on public roads or skate parks. However, this notion is incorrect.
Skateboarders are considered pedestrians according to 316.130 of the 2023 Florida Statutes, which means they are subject to the same rules and regulations that apply to individuals walking or running.
That said, there are some local ordinances that may regulate the use of skateboards in certain areas for safety reasons, such as prohibiting skateboarding in busy pedestrian zones or on private property without permission. But these local regulations do not equate to the need for a state-issued license to skateboard.
Some claims circulating online suggest it's illegal to sell oranges on the sidewalks in Miami Beach, painting an image of a city cracking down on citrus sales. While it sure sounds funny to imagine a law specifically targeting orange sales on sidewalks, this situation likely pertains to broader regulations concerning street vending or commercial activity in certain areas.
In reality, yes, you can’t sell oranges, but also, any other food, on the sidewalks without proper permits. This rule is defined in Section 70-5 of the Miami Beach Code of Ordinances and is part of larger efforts to control pedestrian traffic and maintain public order, not an arbitrary ban on oranges.
If you are a female who lives in Florida, have not yet tied the knot, and wish to experience the thrill of parachuting, but decide to do it on a Sunday, you risk the possibility of getting fined financially for your adventurous leap.
At least that's what various online sources claim, but none of them seems to point to the exact statute or official documentation in Florida's legal archives where this law is written.
We were curious to find out if a married woman could do it, or if a maiden could do it on a Saturday, but we never found source or concrete evidence supporting these specific conditions.
Additionally, the sources that share this ridiculous law say that it is no longer enforced, but we doubt its existence was ever formalized in legal texts to begin with.
Many sources online claim that the Florida legislature prohibits men from wearing strapless gowns in public. However, none of the claims are backed by concrete evidence or specific sections from the Florida Statutes, which leads us to believe that this is more a product of urban legend than actual legal restriction.
The only statute that may regulate clothing in public is related to indecent exposure, as outlined in Florida Statute 800.03. However, this law focuses on nudity and lewdness rather than specific types of garments, indicating no direct legal restriction on men wearing strapless gowns.
According to an alleged old Florida law, it is illegal for someone to tie their elephant to a parking meter without paying the parking fee, just as one would for a regular vehicle. This is one of those laws that circles around the internet, tickling curiosity and garnering chuckles.
Needless to say, citations or concrete legal documents confirming the validity of this law are never provided, but the tale remains an urban legend commonly featured in articles discussing weird Florida laws.
The internet is a fascinating and amusing place, offering a vast array of information and entertainment. However, amidst its wonders lie dangerous realms of misinformation, where myths and urban legends often pass for truth.
This is particularly true when it comes to matters that can have serious consequences, like laws and regulations. It is ill-advised to make decisions, or take actions for legal matters solely based on information found on unverified online resources.
It is vital to always verify the validity of claims, especially when they pertain to issues that significantly impact the lives of individuals. When faced with such critical scenarios in the Sunshine State, it is prudent to seek guidance from qualified legal professionals in Florida who can provide accurate and reliable advice tailored to specific circumstances.
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