Under 16
A rider who is under 16 must ride with a helmet that is properly fitted and fastened. This helmet must meet ANSI (American National Standards Institute) regulations or any other nationally recognized standards for helmets.
Passengers
Passengers are also governed in the previous section. The term passenger applies to a child who is in a bike trailer.
Citations
Police officers and school crossing guards may issue a verbal warning and a safety brochure to anyone not riding with a helmet. Police officers may issue a citation to which a fine may be attached for a pedestrian violation. This fine will be dismissed when the violator has purchased a helmet.
Renting or Leasing
A rental or leasing service may not knowingly rent a bicycle to anyone under 16 unless they show proof that they own a helmet, or the renter provides the helmet for the child.
Parents or Guardians
A parent or guardian who does not prevent a child from riding a bike without a helmet may not be considered negligent according to Florida State Law.
Article Written By Heather Broeker
Originally from North Carolina, Heather Broeker studied journalism and advertising at the University of North Carolina. After graduation she moved to Los Angeles, where she worked for Fox Searchlight, Fox Reality and later as a writer and marketing director. Broeker now lives in Los Angeles and runs Head Over Heels, a writing and public relations company.
