Like most other states, Florida still has some state laws in place that are old-fashioned, unnecessary, or just downright bizarre. From a constitutional provision that protects pregnant pigs to a ban on fishing from bridges, you can find various weird laws in Florida.
Although law enforcement officials rarely enforce these laws, they do remain valid laws that could cause you to be charged with a crime and face criminal penalties if convicted.
Illegal Confinement of Pregnant Pigs
Under the Florida Constitution Article X §21, it is illegal to confine a pregnant pig in an enclosure or tether her on a farm so that she cannot turn around freely without touching any part of the enclosure.
While there are some exceptions to this general criminal offense, such as when a pig has gone into labor, individuals who violate this constitutional provision can face first-degree misdemeanor charges.
Doors of Buildings Used for Entertainment Must Open Outward
Florida Statutes §823.06 provides that all doors of buildings used as theaters, opera houses, or public entertainment venues must open outward. The rationale is that entrances that open outward will allow people to escape more easily in case of a fire.
Owners, managers, or tenants of these buildings who violate this law could face third-degree felony charges.
You have Six Months to Pick Up Your Laundry or Dry Cleaning
Florida Statutes §715.03 mandates laundries and dry cleaners to keep unclaimed clothing and other items brought in for cleaning for six months before they can dispose of them. They also must give notice to the owners in writing before disposing of them.
So, you should not worry if you forgot about picking up your dry cleaning. It will still be there three or four months later.
Florida Observes I Am an American Day
Florida Statutes §683.145 creates a special observance for “I Am an American Day” on the third Sunday of October.
No Dumping Raw Human Waste from Planes, Trains, or Automobiles
Under Florida Statutes §403.413, which is entitled “Florida Litter Law,” it is illegal to dump raw human waste from planes, trains, motor vehicles, or boats, including barges.
Evidently, however, it is perfectly fine to dump human waste while walking along the roadside or riding a bicycle or skateboard.
No Fishing from Bridges
Florida Statutes §316.1305 authorizes the Department of Transportation to investigate whether fishing from individual bridges would create a traffic hazard or a danger to human life. If so, the Department can post “No Fishing From Bridge” signs.
Disregarding these signs can result in a noncriminal traffic infraction.
Prohibition Against Corrupting Public Morals
Florida Statutes §877.03 prohibits breaching the peace or engaging in disorderly conduct, which is not an unusual law. However, part of the definition of this criminal offense involves any actions that “corrupt the public morals” or “outrage the sense of public decency.”
This rather subjective definition could lead to many criminal charges concerning behaviors that offend people.
Destin Lawmakers Focus on Cemeteries
Among the other weird laws in Florida are a series of municipal code provisions in Destin concerning the protection of cemeteries. For instance, it is illegal to climb a tree in a cemetery, sit on a fence or rail in a cemetery, or remove any bird nests or reptile eggs that you might find in a cemetery.
You also cannot walk your dog or ride your bicycle through cemeteries in Destin. Consequences for these violations can lead to up to $500 in fines and 60 days in jail.
Pensacola Outlaws Various Items
Pensacola city code prohibits anyone from using slingshots within city limits. You also cannot throw or distribute fake flowers with wire-wrapped stems to onlookers during a parade.
Be Careful About Holding Garage Sales in Oakland
In Oakland, Florida, garage sales may not operate on the same plot of land for more than 72 hours at a time. When your sale is over, none of the unsold items, tables, or signs can remain visible from the street.
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Whether you have questions about weird laws in Florida or not, our attorneys and staff stand ready to help you with your legal matter. We are here to represent your interests and can help you obtain compensation for your losses to the greatest extent possible based on the circumstances of your case.
Call us today to learn more about what the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine can do for you. Allow us to guide you through your legal matter while you focus on your well-being. Together, we can work to build your case for compensation.
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