Guide to Florida law for Brits on holiday in Florida or living in a villa in Florida
Whether you are living in your own apartment or villa in Florida or are enjoying your annual holidays in Florida, you will want to stay on the right side of Florida law. Detailed advice on Florida’s criminal, commercial and property laws can be obtained from a local legal specialist, but both new residents and visitors should be familiar with the most everyday Florida laws below.
Florida’s driving rules and laws
Driving is on the right hand side of the road and speed limits are as follows: Rural Interstate 70mph; Urban Interstate 55mph unless otherwise indicated; Other limited access roads 70mph; and Built up areas 30mph, School zones 20mph. There is also a Florida law against driving too slowly. When the speed limit is 70mph, the minimum speed is 50mph.
You need to carry your driving licence and car rental (or registration) documents at all times. Whether you are living permanently in your apartment or villa in Florida, or are on a family holiday in Florida, you will be given no period of grace to produce your documentation (as in the UK) if you are stopped by the police.
If stopped by a police officer when driving, stay in the car until the officer approaches. Do not, under any circumstances, attempt to get out.
If a school bus stops ahead of you in the road, you also must stop. Do not attempt to continue your journey until the bus moves off. The same rule applies, unless you are on a dual carriageway, if the bus is on the opposite side of the road.
Florida law prohibits the use of a mobile phone while driving unless the sound is provided handsfree to one ear only ie other sounds can be heard in the other ear. Punishments vary across the state.
Florida laws on sex and marriage
Sexual consent is generally set at age 18 but there are special laws governing sexual activity with 16 and 17 year olds. Young people aged 16 and 17 can lawfully consent to sex with persons under the age of 24 only. If you are over the age of 24, your partner can only consent if he/she is aged 18 or you are married to him/her.
Florida law does not allow or recognise same-sex partnerships, civil unions or marriages.
If you arrive on holiday in Florida with the intention of getting married, you should be aware the state is not one of those that allows ‘on-the-spot’ weddings. A three-day waiting period applies. There are no requirements to have a blood test.
Florida laws on drugs
Smoking is illegal in most public buildings and on public transport.
As a prime area for drug trafficking, Florida laws on drug and narcotic possession, use and distribution are extremely strict. Both marijuana and khat (or qat) are illegal narcotics in Florida and you will be arrested and detained, with the possibility of a prison sentence, if you are caught trying to take either into the State.
Florida laws on alcohol
No one under age 21 can consume or possess alcohol.
Florida laws on drink-driving are among the toughest in the USA. It is illegal to drive a vehicle with a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) of 0.02 or higher if under the age of 21. For anyone over the age of 21, the limit is 0.08. Anyone convicted of DUI – Driving Under the Influence – can be fined up to $5000 and sent to jail for one year. Refusal to take a breathalyser test carries an automatic one-year driving ban. If you are on your holidays in Florida, remember that DUI will invalidate your car rental insurance.
It is against the law to have opened cans or bottles of alcohol while not on the property of a bar, restaurant, or privately owned apartment or villa in Florida. This ‘open container law’ means that, if you are in a public area with an opened can or bottle of alcohol, you run the risk of being arrested. The rule is extended to your vehicle so, if you are on a fly-drive holiday in Florida, be sure you do not carry opened containers of alcohol in the passenger area of your car. Place them in the boot. If alcohol is found in contravention of this Florida law, you may be fined.
