New Laws Floridians Should Know About!

I. Smoke Alarms

Florida lawmakers recently passed a law phasing out the outdated smoke alarms in favor of more modern ones in homes and apartment buildings. These newer models have built-in batteries that can last as long as 10 years. After that, you just get rid of the old smoke alarm and get another one. This law was passed to reduce fire-related deaths due in the state. The National Fire Association estimates that 3 out of every 5 fatal house fires happens in homes without working smoke alarms. The Department of Health states that 103 people died from fire-related injuries in 2012 and that over 500 people were injured by fire and smoke across Florida.

II. Car Seats and Booster Seats

From now on, Florida drivers with children will now be mandated to put all children under the age of 5 in some form of car seat. Children under 3 will be required to be in a full car seat while children ages 4 and 5 will be allowed to ride in booster seats under the new law. Children ages 4 and 5 will be allowed to use a seatbelt if they are being transported to their family by a non-family member, when riding with someone in an emergency situation or with a doctor’s recommendation. Violations will be met with 3 points on the offender’s license and a $60.00 fine.

III. Car-Sharing Services

If you use services like ZipCar, a new surcharge has been levied on it and all similar services operating in Florida. To bring them in line with Florida’s rental car laws, members of these services will now have to pay $1 if they use the vehicle for less than a day and $2 per day if they use the vehicle over a longer time period. This new law applies regardless of whether the car is being rented or leased. Keep this in mind the next time you are looking for a subscription-based car rental service.

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