12 Strange Florida Laws Every Traveler Should Know | Florida Travel Tips

Charles (Chuck) Sieber

9/25/2024

Welcome to the Sunshine State, where the beaches are pristine, the theme parks are world-class, and the laws are... well, let's just say they're as wild as a Florida gator!

From proper elephant parking etiquette (yes, really) to the great dwarf-tossing debate, we're checking out 12 of the most bizarre Florida laws that you, intrepid traveler, might unknowingly break on your next vacay.

So grab your sunscreen, leave your porcupine at home (you'll see why), and let's explore the weird and world of Florida's quirkiest regulations. After all, who wants to explain to their friends back home why they got a ticket for eating cottage cheese on a Sunday evening?

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No Swimsuit Serenades
Umbrella Etiquette in Pensacola
Elephant Parking 101
The Great Dwarf Tossing Debate
Single Ladies' Skydiving Restrictions
The Car Door Dilemma
Porcupine Passion (or Lack Thereof)
Key West's Feathered VIPs
No Fishing While Bridging the Gap
The Art of Strolling (or Not)
Cottage Cheese Curfew
The Thursday Night Gas Pass
Shower Shenanigans

Let's dive into these wacky regulations that'll have you saying, "Only in Florida!"

No Swimsuit Serenades

You're on a beautiful Florida beach, the sun's shining, and you're feeling good in your swimsuit. Suddenly, the urge to burst into song hits you. Well, hold that tune, beach bum! In Florida, it's illegal to sing in public while wearing a swimsuit.

This gem of a law dates back to the 1940s or 50s when beach towns were trying to maintain "public decorum." Legend has it that some grumpy official got annoyed by a swimsuit-clad crooner and decided to put an end to the beach concerts.

Umbrella Etiquette in Pensacola

Heading to Pensacola? Pack a raincoat instead of an umbrella, because opening your brolly on the street is technically illegal! This law is a relic from the 1800s when horses ruled the roads. Apparently, our equine friends weren't fans of sudden umbrella pop-ups.

While you're unlikely to get a ticket for this nowadays (unless you're spooking the ghost horses of Pensacola), it's a fun fact to share with your travel buddies.

Elephant Parking 101

Got an elephant? Heading to Florida? Well, listen up! If you tie your pachyderm pal to a parking meter, you better feed that meter the same as you would for a car. This goes for alligators and other animals too, but curiously, not for cats and dogs.

This law originated in the early 1900s when the Ringling Brothers Circus came to town. Imagine the scene: you're running into the store for a quick soda, and you casually tie your elephant to the meter. Classic Florida, am I right?

Fun fact: It's actually illegal to have an elephant as a pet in Florida. So, you might want to leave Dumbo at home for this trip!

The Great Dwarf Tossing Debate

Now, this one's a bit controversial, but it's part of Florida's legal history. Since 1989, dwarf tossing contests have been banned in the state. These events, which originated in Australia in the 1980s, involved throwing people with dwarfism for sport.

Florida and New York are the only states with explicit bans on this activity. The law was passed due to concerns over human dignity and safety. It's a sensitive topic with varying opinions within the dwarf community itself.

Single Ladies' Skydiving Restrictions

Attention all unmarried women: if you're planning a skydiving adventure in Florida, avoid Sundays! That's right, it's technically illegal for unmarried women to parachute on the Sabbath. This quirky law from the 1940s was likely an attempt to encourage more "moral" activities on Sundays.

Married women? You're in the clear!

The Car Door Dilemma

If you're visiting Cape Coral, be mindful of how long you leave your car doors open. It's illegal to have them open "longer than necessary." But what does that mean? 5 seconds? A minute? It's a mystery!

This 1990s ordinance was created to prevent vehicle break-ins. So, while you're unlikely to get in trouble, it's a good reminder to be quick and careful when getting in and out of your car.

Porcupine Passion (or Lack Thereof)

Here's a law that'll make you go "Huh?": It's illegal to have sexual relations with a porcupine in Florida. Yes, you read that right. And yes, someone thought this needed to be explicitly stated in the law books.

What's even funnier? Porcupines aren't even native to Florida! So not only is this law bizarre, it's also pretty much irrelevant. Let's just agree to leave the porcupines alone, shall we?

Key West's Feathered VIPs

Heading to Key West? Prepare to share the roads with some feathered friends. Since 2004, chickens in Key West have been a protected species. That means no shooing, no chasing, and definitely no chicken dinners!

These "gypsy chickens" are a big part of Key West's laid-back, free-spirited vibe. So, when you see a chicken crossing the road, just let it be. It's probably on island time anyway!

No Fishing While Bridging the Gap

Ever had the urge to cast a line while driving across a bridge? No? Well, apparently enough people in Florida did, because there's a law specifically prohibiting it.

This head-scratching regulation falls under Florida Statute 316.008 and was designed to improve traffic safety.

Fishing while on a moving car, driving over a bridge

The Art of Strolling (or Not)

If you find yourself in Hialeah (a city near Miami), resist the urge to "amble" or "stroll" down the street. Believe it or not, such leisurely walking is considered a misdemeanor!

This 1940s ordinance was created to prevent loitering and vagrancy. But don't worry, you can still walk at a normal pace. Just no meandering, okay?

Cottage Cheese Curfew

Planning a late-night cottage cheese snack in Tampa? Not so fast! It's illegal to eat cottage cheese on Sundays after 6 PM. Why? Your guess is as good as mine!

This 1950s law might have been an attempt to curb "excessive eating" at Sunday dinner parties. Or maybe the lawmakers just really hated cottage cheese. Either way, plan your dairy consumption accordingly!

The Thursday Night Gas Pass

Here's one that'll make you giggle: In Florida, it's illegal to break wind in public after 6 PM on Thursdays. Yep, you read that right. So if you're out and about on a Thursday evening, hold it in!

Urban legend has it that this law came about after a public official was embarrassed by a, shall we say, "windy incident." True or not, it's definitely one of Florida's more amusing regulations.

Shower Shenanigans

Last but not least, here's a law we've all probably broken: It's technically illegal to shower naked in Florida. This early 1900s law is a remnant of old public decency campaigns.

Don't worry, though. You're unlikely to get arrested for your regular shower routine. But maybe pack some shower shorts, just in case? 🤔

Wrapping Up

So there you have it, folks! Twelve of the strangest, most bizarre laws you might encounter (or unknowingly break) on your Florida adventure. While most of these aren't actively enforced, they're a hilarious reminder of Florida's quirky history and character.

Remember, the best way to enjoy your Florida trip is to soak up the sun, have fun, and maybe avoid singing in your swimsuit... just to be safe!

FAQs About Weird Florida Laws

Are these laws actually enforced? Most of these laws are rarely, if ever, enforced in modern times. They're more curiosities than actual legal concerns for travelers.
Why does Florida have so many strange laws? Many of these laws are remnants from different historical periods or were created to address specific, often humorous, incidents.
Can I really get in trouble for breaking these laws? While technically on the books, you're unlikely to face any consequences for most of these. However, it's always best to respect local laws and customs when traveling.
Are there other states with equally bizarre laws? Absolutely! Many states have unusual laws that have remained on the books over the years. Florida isn't alone in its legal quirkiness.
How can I learn about current, actually enforced laws in Florida? For up-to-date information on Florida's laws and regulations, especially those that might affect tourists, check the official Florida tourism website or consult with local authorities.

Happy travels, and may all your Florida adventures be legal! Have fun!