Quirky Florida Laws You Didn’t Know Existed
Florida has some pretty strange laws, though most locals don’t even know about them. From outdated ordinances to downright bizarre rules that are still technically on the books, these quirky laws will make you wonder what Floridian lawmakers were thinking.
Keep Elephants Off Parking Meters
In Florida, you can’t tie an elephant to a parking meter unless you’ve paid the parking fee. This law stems from a time when Ringling Brothers Circus traveled through Florida, bringing elephants and other exotic animals into towns.
Although it’s hard to imagine this law being relevant today, it’s technically still on the books. So if you’re ever traveling with your pet elephant, make sure to carry some change for the meter.
No Singing in a Swimsuit
In Sarasota, Florida, it’s illegal to sing while wearing a swimsuit. This quirky law could date back to old notions of public decorum or attempts to discourage public performances in swimwear.
While this law isn’t enforced today, it’s definitely one to remember if you’re ever tempted to break into song at the beach. Maybe save your karaoke skills for dry clothes.
Ban on Dwarf Tossing
In bars across Florida, it’s illegal to participate in or organize dwarf tossing events. This law was enacted to protect individuals from dangerous or degrading activities.
So, what exactly is dwarf tossing? It’s the act of throwing a little person the farthest or knocking down pins with them. People often competed for prize money.
Don’t Imitate Animals
In Florida, it’s illegal to imitate animals. This bizarre rule could have been created to prevent disruptive behavior or mischief in public spaces.
While this law is rarely, if ever, enforced, it’s a funny reminder of how specific and odd laws can get. Think twice before practicing your best elephant trumpet or dog bark in Miami—especially on Halloween.
Don’t Fish While Driving
Florida’s waterways are a major attraction, but fishing while driving across a bridge is illegal. This rule was implemented for safety reasons, as stopping to fish could block traffic or create accidents.
It’s one of those rules that makes you scratch your head, but it’s still valid today. So, park your car before casting that line.
Be Careful with Cheese
If you’re a cottage cheese lover and visiting Tampa, be cautious. It’s illegal to eat cottage cheese after 6:00 pm in Tampa. The catch? This law only applies on Sundays.
Although there’s no clear reason why Tampa’s cottage cheese law exists, one thing is pretty much certain—you’re unlikely to get fined or arrested nowadays for eating cottage cheese in Tampa after 6:00 pm on Sundays.
Don’t Harm a Flamingo
If you’re a northerner, any law about flamingos sounds laughable. But flamingos are a native and protected species in Florida, and as such, it’s illegal to harm them.
Given that only around 1% of the global flamingo population lives in Florida, it’s understandable why they have and enforce laws protecting these beautiful pink birds.
No Throwing Confetti
In some Florida cities, such as Boca Raton, it’s illegal to throw confetti in public areas. This rule sounds silly until you think about it; the city’s reasoning is that confetti is difficult to clean up. Confetti is also often made of non-biodegradable material, so they cite health and environmental problems.
While the confetti ban isn’t a statewide law, it’s one to keep in mind if you’re planning a party in certain areas. Plus, parades in confetti-banned cities might feel a little less festive.
Don’t Steal a Horse
Stealing a horse is a serious crime in Florida, punishable as a felony. This law dates back to when horses were a primary mode of transportation, and theft could have devastating consequences, including death by hanging.
While horse theft isn’t as common today, this law remains on the books as a reminder of Florida’s history. And as a reminder to treat your neighbors how you want to be treated, of course.
No Unmarried Couples Living Together
Until recently, it was illegal for unmarried couples to live together in Florida. The cohabitation ban, which was established in 1868, was finally repealed in 2016. But before that, couples could technically face fines or even jail time for sharing a home without a marriage license.
This law was rarely enforced, but its existence highlighted outdated attitudes toward relationships. Thankfully, it’s no longer an issue.
50 Weirdest Laws in Each State
Luckily, most Americans are clear on treating thy neighbor as they’d want to be treated to reduce the chance of fines and jail time. But did you know you could be breaking the law by carrying an ice cream cone in your pocket? These are the weirdest laws in each state, most of which courts (thankfully!) no longer enforce.
50 Weirdest Laws in Each State That’ll Make You Chuckle
11 Poor Hygiene Habits Americans Don’t Know They Have
Americans believe in cleanliness, but we may not be as hygienic as we think. These eleven habits reveal where many Americans fail in the hygiene department.
