Child Passenger Safety Laws in Florida
Ensuring the safety of young passengers is a top priority on Florida roads. The state enforces strict child passenger safety laws that dictate how children should be secured in vehicles based on age, height, and weight. These laws aim to minimize injury and fatalities in the event of a crash, aligning with national best practices and the recommendations of safety organizations.
Florida Car Seat and Booster Seat Requirements
Florida Statute § 316.613 outlines the state’s requirements for child restraint devices:
- Children 5 years old or younger must be secured in a crash-tested, federally approved child restraint device.
- Children 0 to 3 years old must be in a separate carrier or integrated child safety seat.
- Children 4 to 5 years old must be in either a separate carrier, integrated seat, or booster seat.
The law does not specify booster seat use beyond age 5, but the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recommend booster seat use until a child reaches at least 4 feet 9 inches in height and can properly use an adult seat belt.
Rear-Facing and Forward-Facing Guidelines
Though not codified into law, safety experts advise:
- Rear-facing car seats for infants up to at least 2 years old, or until they reach the highest weight or height allowed by the car seat manufacturer.
- Forward-facing seats with a harness should be used until the child outgrows the seat, usually between ages 4 to 7.
Booster Seats and Seat Belts
Once a child has outgrown a forward-facing seat:
- A booster seat is recommended to ensure the vehicle’s lap and shoulder belts fit properly.
- Children should continue using a booster until the seat belt fits snugly over the thighs and shoulders without the belt touching the neck or abdomen.
Florida does not mandate a specific age to transition out of a booster seat, but misuse or premature graduation to adult belts increases injury risk in crashes.
Front Seat Restrictions
Florida law does not prohibit children from riding in the front seat, but it is strongly recommended that children under 13 years old ride in the back seat. Airbags pose a serious risk to smaller passengers in the front seat.
Exceptions to the Law
Florida allows for limited exceptions:
- Emergency situations or when transporting children for medical care.
- Vehicles not required to have seat belts under federal law, such as school buses or certain older cars.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Drivers who fail to comply with Florida’s child safety seat laws may face:
- A $60 fine.
- 3 points added to their driver license.
In some cases, courts may allow attendance in a child restraint safety program to waive points or reduce fines.
Installation Help and Safety Checks
Many local fire stations, hospitals, and law enforcement agencies offer free car seat installation checks. Certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians (CPSTs) help ensure that seats are properly installed and appropriate for your child’s age and size.
Visit the FLHSMV Child Safety Seat Resource for a directory of locations and additional guidance.
Best Practices for Florida Parents
- Always register your car seat with the manufacturer to receive recall notifications.
- Replace any car seat involved in a moderate or severe crash.
- Avoid used car seats unless you know the complete history and expiration date.
- Secure loose items in the car that can become projectiles in a crash.
Related Resources
Explore these additional resources to support safe and legal driving in Florida: