35 Weird Laws in Florida That Just Don’t Make Any Sense
If you’re looking for weird laws in Florida, we’ve got you covered. From some that will make you shake your head to downright crazy!
Without laws, cities would be chaotic, and there would be no order. People trying to cause trouble would be a nuisance to other folks, hence, there are rules to regulate society.
But given the lengthy procedure to make a proposition or bill into law or to revoke one, not all laws are up to date. Outdated laws that served societies eons ago still exist in various states and countries and Florida is a treasure trove of such weird and crazy laws.
From the very first settlers to present-day residents, many laws and rules have been passed down over time.
To learn more about them, here is a list of 35 weird laws in Florida that just don’t make any sense in this era.
Weird Laws in Florida
Each state has its fair share of laws that make you wonder how they came into being. E.g., in Atlanta, it is illegal to have an ice cream cone in your back pocket.
Some like this one are funny while others are just plain weird, but it’s always good to know what the law says just in case you’re caught in a situation.
These weird laws in Florida will make you laugh, roll your eyes or maybe scratch your head in wonder. In fact, most Floridians have probably broken a few of these without even realizing it.
1. It is Illegal to Sing in a Public Place While Attired in a Swimsuit
When it comes to funny laws in Florida, this one might leave you in splits. This law might have been created to prevent people from causing a public disturbance but it’s a funny one nonetheless.
Someone who has had one too many drinks and wants to karaoke on the beach is still fine, but if they decide to do so while wearing a swimsuit, they could be hauled up by the police.
Their concert will have to resume at the police station then.
2. A Special Law Prohibits Unmarried Women from Parachuting on Sunday, or They Risk Being Arrested, Fined, and/or Jailed
Strange laws in Florida are aplenty and this particular one gets weirder as it plays out.
Parachuting is legal. Unmarried women parachuting is also legal. Even doing so during weekdays or on Saturdays is legal. But wait, they can’t do so on Sunday for the risk of a fine or facing jail time.
3. An Elephant, Goat, or Alligator Tied to a Parking Meter Attracts a Parking Fee Just as it Would for a Vehicle
It’s a fine Tuesday morning and you’re riding your elephant to work but obviously, it can’t ride the elevator with you so you have to “park” it outside.
Or, say it’s a lazy Saturday afternoon and you decide to take your alligator grocery shopping. You would have to leave it outside the building.
In both those absolutely “normal” cases, don’t forget to carry change for the parking meter because you will have to pay for it just like your neighbor does for their car.
4. You are Not Allowed to Break More Than Three Dishes or Chip the Edges of More Than Four Cups and/or Saucers in a Day
I’m sure no one wants to voluntarily smash fine cutlery unless, of course, you’re participating in the Greek tradition.
But one of the dumb laws in Florida specifies that even if you do, you shouldn’t break more than 3 dishes or chip more than 4 cups and/or saucers in a day.
If you ask me, this is taking the curbing of wastefulness to another level.
5. You May Not Fart in a Public Place After 6 P.M. on Thursdays
While talking about the weirdest laws in Florida, you cannot miss this one. It’s quite shocking why someone thought that a particular day and time should be highlighted for this.
Even more surprising that the legislators decided to vote in favor of such a law. Either way, you can pass gas before 6 pm on Thursdays, but after that, you have to hold it in until you reach home.
6. It is Considered an Offense to Shower Naked
The crazy laws in Florida keep getting weirder and seem to have intruded into people’s personal lives too.
Do you also have as many questions in your head as we do? How did the legislators want Floridians to shower? Fully clothed? Is swimwear applicable?
We’re not sure what the agenda was but if we’re to think of something as weird as the law itself, we’d think it was to save the cost of washing clothes.
7. Men Cannot Wear Strapless Dresses in Public Places
We’re sure this one made you laugh. If anything, Florida’s weird laws are inclusive and do not leave out men in strapless gowns but wearing those in public is however prohibited under Florida statute.
As hilarious as that sounds, if you are a man looking for a loophole, you could consider wearing a gown with sleeves in public.
But if you’re a woman who wants to wear a strapless dress, ain’t no Florida law that’ll hold you back.
8. Failure to Tell Your Neighbor Their House is on Fire is Illegal
We are sure you would inform your neighbor on moral/human grounds about their house being on fire, right? But Florida felt the need to make it punishable by law in case you don’t do so.
As a result, statute 877.15 explicitly states that if you are aware and fail to inform anyone whose property is on fire, you might be guilty of a misdemeanor.
9. It is Illegal to Skateboard Without a License
Next on the list of weird laws in Florida is actually misleading. Skateboarders have the same rights as pedestrians and are equated to them, so having a license does not apply.
However, Florida Statute 316.008 does state that you cannot roller-skate or skateboard on the road except while crossing it on a crosswalk without a license.
You are also prohibited from skateboarding on any governmental property, e.g., in a police station.
10. It is Illegal to Fish While Driving Across a Bridge
Some of the odd Florida laws have some semblance of sense. This, for instance, makes sense when you think of someone who has parked their vehicle on a narrow bridge and is fishing which might cause a traffic nuisance.
In the Traffic Control section of the Florida Statutes, 316.1305 states that fishing from a state road bridge is an infraction in such a case.
11. The Penalty for Stealing a Horse, Cow, or Pig is Death by Hanging
Yes, you read that right. If you steal a commercially farmed animal, like an equine (horse), bovine (cow), or swine (pig), you can be charged with theft or felony of the third degree under Florida Statute 812.014.
The penalty for this could range from a $10,000 fine or death by hanging! Even bees and fish are included in this statute.
While theft should definitely be punishable, hanging someone because they stole a cow is a little bit too extreme.
12. Rats are Forbidden From Leaving the Ships Docked in Tampa Bay
Laws for people are understandable, but one of the weirdest laws in Florida was made for rats!
This law speaks to the rodents directly that they are not allowed to leave the ships docked in Tampa Bay.
Imagine a dock worker trying to communicate to a rat that it is prohibited from exiting the dock or else it will end up in (rat?) jail.
13. In Cape Coral, It is Against the City Ordinance to Hang Your Clothes Outside on a Clothesline
Cape Coral residents have to deal with their city’s weird laws like this, in addition to other odd Florida laws.
According to section 163.04, residents cannot hang their clothes outside on a clothesline. Otherwise, they’ll be fined.
We guess someone in the municipality thought clotheslines were eyesores and banned them altogether.
14. In Daytona Beach, The Molestation of Trash Cans is Banned
Just when you think the weird laws of Florida can’t get weirder, there’s a law in Daytona Beach that forbids you from having relations with your trash can or molesting it.
This takes weird to another level. We’re only wondering what must have transpired for this law to come into effect.
15. In Key West, Chickens are Considered a “Protected Species”
Points #11 and #28 might give you a fair idea of how much Floridians love animals and we also do but Key West went further and declared chickens a “protected species.”
When Cubans brought chickens to Key West, cockfights started being held around town. To prevent this, not only was the “sport” made illegal, chickens got a protected status too.
16. In Miami, It is Forbidden to Imitate an Animal
If you want to enjoy Miami without breaking the law, don’t try to imitate an animal.
The city’s law states that it is forbidden for anyone to impersonate an animal and make noises like them.
In other words, if you’re going to wear a suit and pretend to be a cat or dog at a birthday party, don’t — it’ll end up with you paying a fine.
17. In Pensacola, Women Can be Fined After She’s Dead for Being Electrocuted in a Bathtub Because of Using Self-Beautification Tools
We’ve all seen the signs on electrical equipment forbidding its proximity to water, yet, we have all, at least once, taken blow dryers into the bathroom to do our hair.
But as for the women in Pensacola, if you use such self-beautification equipment in a bathtub which results in you being electrocuted, you can be fined even after you’re dead. Talk about some crazy Florida laws.
18. In Pensacola, It is Illegal to Roll a Barrel on Any Street
If you’re going to Pensacola, don’t forget to leave your barrel behind. Or even if you have to take it along, don’t roll it down the street. You may be fined for this offense.
But the fines also differ according to the barrel contents, so you might be let off with a lesser amount depending on what the barrel holds.
19. Still In Pensacola, Citizens May Not be Caught Downtown Without At Least 10 Dollars on Them
By now, I think we can agree that in addition to the stupid laws in Florida, Pensacola doesn’t seem to be much better at framing its own.
One such law forbids citizens from going downtown unless they have $10 in their pocket.
Though it is bizarre enforcing it as a law, it could actually come in handy when paying the parking fee or when you need to get something quick you hadn’t planned earlier.
20. In Pinecrest. You Need a Permit to Operate a Burglar Alarm
A whole article in chapter 12 of the Pinecrest Ordinances is reserved for security alarms and other alarm systems.
According to article II, section 12-23, a person designing, installing, or operating such systems needs to be licensed with a permit by the state and produce the certificate whenever required.
21. A woman May be Fined for Falling Asleep Under a Hair Dryer — Whether It’s a Client or a Salon Owner.
Obscure Florida laws like this make you wonder what Floridians are up to. This one, for example, sounds dangerous, yet, you wonder how many women are falling asleep under a hair dryer while getting their hair done in the salon for it to warrant a fine.
But hey, what are the chances of a police officer sitting in the seat next to yours?
22. In Tampa Bay, It is Illegal to Eat Cottage Cheese on Sunday After 6:00 P.M
Back in the day, the city of Tampa outlawed eating cottage cheese on Sundays to protect their residents from over-indulgence during outdoor barbecues and parties.
While this doesn’t sound like it would be too much of an inconvenience for those who love their cottage cheese so much that they’d risk being arrested for breaking this law, there are several other cities throughout Florida where you can enjoy your favorite dairy product without any worries of being fined or arrested!
23. In Miami Beach, It is Illegal to Sell Oranges From Open-Air Stands
Next on the list of weird laws of Florida is a Miami Beach ordinance. If you visit Miami Beach or are a local resident, make sure not to put up an open-air stand or a cart on the sidewalks to sell oranges.
According to sections 70-5, this is illegal, and you could get a fine for doing so. Possibly because it might cause a nuisance to others or increase waste; your guess is as good as ours.
24. A Garage Sale Cannot Go on For Longer Than 72 Hours in Oakland, Florida
Didn’t think there would be a law limiting garage sales or their durations, but here we are.
The town of Oakland, Florida, has a whole section dedicated to garage sale guidelines in Section 9-4.2519.
Under this, it is stated that a garage sale cannot be held for longer than three consecutive days or 72 hours (3 days).
25. It is Against the Law to Sell Your Children For Cash
This would seem obvious, but Florida decided to make it a state law. Florida Statute 847.0145 forbids you to sell your own kids and doing so can attract a fine or jail sentence.
While this offense should be punishable, we’re still scratching our heads to find out why there was a need to make it an actual law.
On a more serious note, if you believe that someone has offered or sold their child for monetary gain, contact Child Protective Services immediately.
26. If You are convicted of a crime that is later repealed, you could still be prosecuted
This is another one of the odd Florida laws that will perplex you.
Under Article X, section 9 of the Florida Constitution (yes, it was made a part of the constitution), if you’re convicted of a crime in Florida that is later repealed, you could still face charges for it because it was a crime when you committed it.
27. It’s Illegal to Gossip in Oakland, Florida
Under the Florida Statute, chapter 836 specifies that defaming someone by spreading gossip about them, making derogatory statements, or spreading libelous information about someone is prohibited by law.
And this is not just about spreading lies in the media, it also covers gossipping about someone with your friend.
It is considered a misdemeanor of the first degree and punishable with fines or by sentencing, depending on how bad it is.
So the next time you want to “spill some juicy tea” about someone else, remember this weird Florida law.
28. It is Unlawful to confine a pig during pregnancy in an enclosure
Most people can’t stand cruelty towards animals (so do we), and Floridians concur.
One of the weird Florida laws pertains to the inhumane treatment of animals. This one is rather strange because it is partial to pregnant pigs.
According to Article X, section 21 of the Florida Constitution, it is unlawful to confine a pig in an enclosure or tether it during pregnancy.
Before it conceives, it is fine, but after that, doing so will be considered a misdemeanor of the first degree.
29. In Satellite Beach, Being publicly clothed in liquid latex is illegal
If you thought #1, #6, and #14 were the only funny laws in Florida, think again. Under Satellite Beach’s ordinances, Section 38-61 specifies that nudity is a big no-no.
Public indecency is understandable as it is against the law in most places but this city goes a step further and mentions that having only body paint, dyes, tattoos, or liquid latex also classify as being nude and so considered illegal.
30. In Cape Coral, It is Illegal to park your pick-up truck in front of your house or in your driveway
The question that follows this stupid Florida law is, where else would you park your vehicle? Turns out, this is not as straightforward as you think.
Under Chapter 2, Section 6.2.1, Cape Coral law prohibits the parking of commercial vehicles, like pick-up trucks, trailers, etc., in residential areas, even if the owner is in his privately owned property.
This partly makes sense if it causes an impediment to other residents but if you’re the owner of the vehicle, what are you to do?
31. It is Illegal to drive or park on top of a grave site/burial space
The obscure Florida laws did not spare cemeteries either. There is a chapter for cemetery regulations under which sections 20-19 state that no one should drive or park their vehicle on a burial site.
We don’t know why someone would park atop a gravesite but doing so is punishable by law.
32. In Sarasota, If you hit a pedestrian, you only pay $78.00
By now, we’ve covered some crazy laws in Florida, and then you realize its cities have some of their own.
Hitting a pedestrian anywhere is an offense but the city of Sarasota in the south of Tampa takes it to another level by specifying how much should be paid as a fine — $78, that’s it. Sarasota law thinks that’s all someone’s life is worth.
33. It is illegal to prank call
How many of us have done this as teens or with our college friends? Hell, I even know of office colleagues who have pulled this stunt off.
But if you’re a resident of Florida, don’t even think of prank calling someone as it’ll land you in hot soup, according to Statute 817.487.
34. In Palm Bay, It is illegal to bobsled behind a bicycle
According to Florida statute 316.2065, it is illegal to ride a sled or toboggan behind a bicycle, or any vehicle, for that matter.
Why someone would be riding a sled on the road or hitching a ride behind a cycle while on it is beyond us.
This law also adds that roller skates, coasters, or toy cars should not be attached to vehicles on the road.
35. It is illegal to sell anything inside a cemetery
Just like #31, this too is under sections 20-19 and states that selling of goods or peddling of flowers is prohibited within a cemetery.
Flowers might be questionable, but understandably, people who come here want peace instead of being hoarded to buy stuff or bargain with peddlers.
Final Thoughts on the Crazy Laws in Florida
We hope you enjoyed reading about these weird laws in Florida. We think they’re all weird but pretty interesting, don’t you?
How many have you broken till now? We would love to hear some weird or funny laws of your state. So, if you know any, leave them in the comments below.
And of course, as you go about your business in Florida, be sure to observe these crazy laws not to land yourself in trouble.
But before you go, consider sharing these weird laws in Florida if you found the post helpful!
