There are a lot of myths, and it can be a very confusing concept. And no wonder, as the local Floridians have to deal with alligators, venomous snakes, seasonless climate, mosquitos and such high humidity that leaves you … Privacy, Tampa Tweet Weird Florida Laws The state constitution allows for freedom of speech, a trial by jury, and pregnant pigs to not be confined in cages. Sometimes, Florida lawmakers aren't prudes; they're just very bad at writing legislation. This supposedly has to do with high winds that could blow the doors in. Staff, Florida’s residents are used to being mocked; thanks to “Florida Man” memes and wild local headlines, the Sunshine State has earned quite the wacky reputation. Main Office. Enter your e-mail address for things to do, restaurants to try and much more! The actress, Delta Burke, represented Orlando and became Miss Florida in … None more than Common Law Marriage. A Tampa ordinance requiring six feet between dancers and customers effectively banished lap dances. In the state of Florida, it’s illegal to park or drive over top of a grave site. The rule didn't stop there: It also forbade swimsuits that didn't cover the rear, and male genitals ''in a discernibly turgid state,'' even if covered, were not allowed. By. "Unnatural acts." Weird Florida Laws The state constitution allows for freedom of speech, a trial by jury, and pregnant pigs to not be confined in cages. Sex with porcupines. To the dismay of folks who do this sort of thing for fun, the Sunshine State outlawed dyeing animals in the '60s. In the state of Florida, the law states you must pay for the parking meter if you tie an elephant, goat, or alligator... 2. These 10 Crazy Laws In Florida Will Leave Your Scratching Your Head In Wonder 1. Don’t park your elephant in a handicapped spot. From the looks of these arcane laws, Florida Man has been around for a long time. Weird laws in Florida and Miami. Rick Scott spouting some nonsense about his grandpa giving him chicks when he was a kid. They needed to be stopped. 18 Crazy Laws in Florida 1. You see, in Florida, it's perfectly legal for Varrieur to light up his backyard with small arms fire, just as long as he doesn't toss any bullets over an occupied house or a public street. Offering our readers free access to incisive coverage of local news, food and culture. Florida: No Internet cafés. 10. One may not commit any "unnatural acts" with another person. 2. Contact Us, The Spaceship House Is A Themed Airbnb In Florida That’s Straight Out Of A Fantasy Novel, 7 Incredible Natural Wonders In Florida That You Can Witness For Free, Both A Restaurant And A Rescue Farm, Florida’s Red Wing Restaurant Is An Underrated Day Trip Destination, The Far Forest In Florida Is A Vintage Shop & Bookstore Brimming With Treasures, These 10 Crazy Laws In Florida Will Leave Your Scratching Your Head In Wonder, 14 Terrifying Things In Florida That Can (And Just Might) Kill You, 12 Things Longtime Floridians Wish They Could Tell Newcomers, 11 Laws Every Floridian Has Probably Unknowingly Broken At Least Once. We use cookies to collect and analyze information on site performance and usage, and to enhance and customize content and advertisements. Riviera Beach and North Palm Beach soon followed suit, with the latter making it illegal to even own a board. 3. This one would be difficult to enforce. Not Many People Realize That These 15 Things Are Actually Illegal In Florida. If Mom’s disapproval couldn’t stop you from living in sin, maybe a second-degree misdemeanor would do the trick. Did you know about these weird Florida laws? In the city of Cape Coral, Florida, a person can be fined $50 for keeping a couch underneath their outdoor carport. But don’t let the rumors scare you away! That's why you might be surprised to learn that these sixteen things are actually legal in the United States. “Don’t tase me, Mom!” In September of this year, Pasco County police officers were called to … Discover 288 hidden attractions, cool sights, and unusual things to do in Florida from Dry Tortugas to The African Queen. For decades, more liberal-minded legislators tried and failed to repeal the 1868 state law before finally succeeding last year. A pair of Russian tourists supposedly decided to test this state law in 2009 and wound up in the hospital. Daughter of Florida Senator Who Sponsored Trans Athlete Bill... Miami Lakes Beats County to Crypto Payment Setup. BuzzFeed Staff. A woman electrocuted in the bathtub using beauty tools can be fined after she's dead: Good Lord, what were these... 3. Coral Gables banned the vehicle in the '60s and stubbornly defended the rule for decades, even as doing so made it a national punch line. I'm sure pigs can appreciate this law, but does it have to be in the state constitution? The best hidden gems and little known destinations - straight to your inbox. 6. Parking fines can be a hassle, but standard parking fees apply to any elephants tied to... 2. Join the New Times community and help support independent local journalism in Miami. Florida has some strange criminals, so it only seems fitting that we would have some strange old laws on the books. Support the independent voice of Miami and help keep the future of New Times free. Stupid Laws. 9. Also in Florida, if you park your elephant at a parking meter, you have to feed the meter just as if you were parking any other vehicle. Long before surfing became a multibillion-dollar industry, the sport's rise struck fear in the hearts of local government stiffs. Despite Florida’s oddities, the state has lots to brag about, ranging from its incredible cuisine to its gorgeous wildlife. It is illegal to sing in public while wearing a bathing suit.. Where do they come up with these? Florida Common Law Marriage and Cohabitation: What You Should Know. In many cases, the differences are in the eyes of the law and not the relationship itself. Producing stories on everything from political scandals to the hottest new bands, with gutsy reporting, stylish writing, and staffers who've won everything from the Society of Professional Journalists' Sigma Delta Chi feature-writing award to the Casey Medal for Meritorious Journalism. Careers, Circulation, Thank you! Legal separation is not recognized or permitted in the state. What's so offensive about strapless gowns in particular? The idea was to end the Easter practice of dyeing chicks and bunnies, which were often abandoned once the colors wore off. This one is really hard not to break. It was enough of an issue that several municipalities passed laws designed to run the vendors out of town. Coral Gables. Pickup trucks. In 1995, a battle over nudity on a Brevard County public beach led commissioners to pass an ordinance banning it altogether. If you know of a local business that could use some extra support during these times, please nominate them here: Don't you hate it when you pull up to the only good spot and there's an elephant there? In this case, Tally politicians were trying to ban internet cafés, but, Florida being Florida, the 2013 law was so poorly worded that there was concern it effectively outlawed all smartphones and computers, including the ones legislators used to craft the regulation. Help, Miami's independent source of local news and culture. by Matt Stopera. Here are some of the weirdest activities and products that have run afoul of state lawmakers over the years: 1. Nov 16, 2015 - This Pin was discovered by Spring Bahar. The city council member who pushed the 1999 measure, Bob Buckhorn, has since decided lap dancing isn't such a big deal, and though the ban remains on the books, it's not considered a high priority for police. Unmarried couples may not live together and commit “lewd acts.”. Florida is the only state that has two rivers with the same name. Florida has a well-earned reputation for being a lawless swamp. Have you ever been to the salon when you're sleepy? By. 1. The best of the best of weird things that have happened in Florida this year. It's a felony in Florida to harm a gator as such. Florida. There is a Withlacoochee in north central Florida (Madison County) and a Withlacoochee in central Florida. You will receive your first email soon. Can you guess which one it is? You'll receive your first newsletter soon! Lap dances. “Spook Hill” is a gravity hill, an optical illusion where cars appear to roll up the spooky hill in Lake Wales, Florida. While swamp buggies are a popular form of transport in Florida, a law once... 3. Read More. The Russians might beg to differ. Swamp Buggies No Longer Motor Vehicles. Marriage can be a hot topic, with a lot of misconceptions. The state has very loose bankruptcy laws, loose gun laws, laws that prevent the seizure of a house for payment of debts, no system to monitor the distribution of … Get the latest updates in news, food, music and culture, and receive special offers direct to your inbox, Miami Restaurant Directory: Takeout/Delivery/Dine-in, Ten of the Weirdest Things Florida Has Banned, town of Palm Beach banned surfing in 1964, Five Dead Celebrities You Didn't Know Were Buried in South Florida, The Ten Most Underrated Architectural Sites in Metro Miami, Coral Gables Ranked Second Snobbiest City in Florida, Miami Beach Third Drunkest. When Brandon Amburgey flicked a lit cigarette into the middle of a busy street in Albuquerque, New Mexico, earlier this year, a police officer apparently saw it as an offense worthy of arresting the 31-year-old for.Amburgey was booked into the Metropolitan Detention Center, where he was offered a chance to post cash bail or bond or to be released on the condition that he appear at a … South Florida surfers of the '50s and '60s were a rowdy bunch who went around doing things like mooning people and having food fights. Florida is a Don’t forget to pay proper parking fees when parking your elephant. Surfing. Since we started Miami New Times, it has been defined as the free, independent voice of Miami, and we would like to keep it that way. Forget about your dreams of spontaneous musical numbers on the beach. And why is it OK for married women? Sometimes, the law protects you from yourself. The 101 Most Insane Things That Have Ever Happened In Florida. In Florida, it’s illegal to sing in a public place while you are wearing a swimsuit. All rights reserved. At least while you’re in Sarasota, this is #10 on our list of weird Florida laws. CALIFORNIA RESIDENTS: California Privacy Policy | California Collection Notice | Do Not Sell My Info. If you’ve ever done such a mundane thing as showering naked, you’ll have already broken a Florida state law. Cohabitation. Scantily clad hot-dog vendors. About Us, Don't test this one. 7. Strange Law 2: If you hit a pedestrian with your car in Sarasota, Florida, you only have to pay a $78 fine. There’s a reason this statue might look familiar…there are also sunken statues made with the same mold in Italy and Grenada, all made of bronze and roughly 9 feet in height. Residents of Florida are known to do some outlandish things — and, for some reason, are all in love with Publix, their local grocery chain.The wildlife is downright tropical, and the land is so flat that there isn’t more than a couple hundred feet of elevation difference across the entire state. Discover (and save!) In Miami Beach - Termite farms are not allowed within the city. Here are 10 odd cases that will make you shake your head and say, “Only in Florida...” 1. In some parts of Florida, we take our horses very seriously. The “weird Florida” list goes on and on—and then it moves into the political world. Dyeing animals. Strapless Dress … Did you know all of these things were technically illegal in our state? your own Pins on Pinterest But let's give credit where credit is due: In its 172-year history, the Sunshine State has seen fit to regulate a few things, including some truly bizarre bans. 5. Unmarried couples may not commit "lewd acts" and live together in the same residence. Surfing. 10. Terms, Key West, of course. A 2010 U.S. Senate candidate, Bobbie Bean, vowed to repeal it. by Matt Stopera. That's kind of strange, since this is Florida and all. Sprawling over 12,000 square feet, Solomon’s Castle in Ona is a massive aluminum castle made from a variety of recycled items. Florida is undoubtedly the most curious, wackiest and unusual state in the US, inhabited by the weirdest people ever. Oral sex is illegal in Florida. From the looks of these arcane laws, Florida Man has been around for a long time. But after a complaint from a dog groomer who wanted in on dyeing contests, legislators in 2012 repealed the ban, with Gov. In 2013, Florida Governor Rick Scott signed into law House Bill 155, which was aimed at cracking down on illegal gambling in Internet cafés. In West Virginia, it is completely legal to text and drive if you possess a full license. Proving to be one of the more weird things that are illegal, anti-graffiti laws in states such as Florida and New York make it illegal to possess "aerosol cans" and "broad-tipped indelible markers" on your person. Support Us Since 2011, BuzzFeed has posted a yearly roundup of crazy Florida … Use of this website constitutes acceptance of our terms of use, our cookies policy, and our privacy policy. But with local journalism's existence under siege and advertising revenue setbacks having a larger impact, it is important now more than ever for us to rally support behind funding our local journalism. Did you know there were skateboarding licenses? They have nothing in common except the name. Among them was a Palm Beach County ordinance requiring those in pasties and thongs to stand behind a four-foot-tall screen. 2. Florida has some strange criminals, so it only seems fitting that we would have some strange old laws on the books. 3. I guess one too many beach parties got annoying. He said it was "useless." 20 Weird Laws in Florida #1 – Swamp Buggies Not Allowed #2 – When Tying an Elephant to a Parking Meter, the Fees Must Still Be Paid #3 – Florida Still Has the Death Penalty for Horse Theft #4 – Men May Not Be Seen Wearing Strapless Gowns in Public #5 – It Is Illegal to Skateboard without a License Thank you! An outcry followed, and in 2013 the ban was reinstated, but with a loophole allowing dog dyeing. The bans were struck down in 1970, but only after the issue made it all the way to the state Supreme Court. 8. Here are 20 of them: 1. So, gowns with straps are OK? Pickup trucks are not allowed to be visible after 7:00 pm. Victoria is a native Floridian and writer for OIYS. A Police Station With A Napoleon Complex So without any further ado, let's begin: 1. A new era of pickup freedom came in 2012, when the issue was put to voters to decide. It's pretty sad that we needed a law for this. Here are 10 weird laws in Florida you may not know about: In the city of Pensacola, rolling a barrel down the street is considered illegal. Marriages in Florida can end through an annulment or by divorce. Check out some of the wildest and most bizarre things that happened in Florida in 2020. Computers. Tweet this. Here’s a look at 25 of Florida’s laws that leave its citizens (and tourists) scratching their heads. 212 North Laura Street Jacksonville, Florida 32202 Phone (904) 444-4444 It’s illegal to shower without clothes on! The Miami New Times may earn a portion of sales from products & services purchased through links on our site from our affiliate partners. You can help by participating in our "I Support" membership program, allowing us to keep covering Miami with no paywalls. If you agree those are just batshit crazy, then prepare to practice your facepalms because on the other side of those crazy illegal laws are the equally crazy legal laws in America. Five conservative Republicans voted to keep it even in 2016. Police claimed the distraction was causing car crashes; parents worried it was corrupting children. COUCHES AND CARPORTS. All I can say is why? Florida has a wacky reputation. State law forbids "unnatural and lascivious acts" with another person. It was once illegal to not wear clothes while taking a bath in a bathtub. It is illegal to park an elephant at a parking meter without paying the meter.