This list of Florida motorcycle helmet laws is a reference only and you should always refer to the Florida D.O.T. for current requirements.  Please e-mail us if you believe our Florida motorcycle helmet law information is out of date or otherwise incorrect.

MOTORCYCLE HELMETS REQUIRED FOR ALL RIDERS UP TO AGE 21 
Must show proof of at least $10,000 medical coverage 
316.211 Equipment for motorcycle and moped riders.-- Effective July 1, 2000

STATUTE:

(1) A person may not operate or ride upon a motorcycle unless the person is properly wearing protective headgear securely fastened upon his or her head which complies with Federal Motorcycle Vehicle Safety Standard 218 promulgated by the United States Department of Transportation. The Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles shall adopt this standard by agency rule.

(2) A person may not operate a motorcycle unless the person is wearing an eye-protective device over his or her eyes of a type approved by the department.

(3) (a) This section does not apply to persons riding within an enclosed cab or to any person 16 years of age or older who is operating or riding upon a motorcycle powered by a motor with a displacement of 50 cubic centimeters or less or is rated not in excess of 2 brake horsepower and which is not capable of propelling such motorcycle at a speed greater than 30 miles per hour on level ground.

(b) Notwithstanding subsection (1), a person over 21 years of age may operate or ride upon a motorcycle without wearing protective headgear securely fastened upon his or her head if such person is covered by an insurance policy providing for at least $10,000 in medical benefits for injuries incurred as a result of a crash while operating or riding on a motorcycle.

(4) A person under 16 years of age may not operate or ride upon a moped unless the person is properly wearing protective headgear securely fastened upon his or her head which complies with Federal Motorcycle Vehicle Safety Standard 218 promulgated by the United States Department of Transportation.

(5) The department shall make available a list of protective headgear approved in this section, and the list shall be provided on request.

(6) A violation of this section is a noncriminal traffic infraction, punishable as a nonmoving violation as provided in chapter 318.

History.--s. 1, ch. 71-135; s. 1, ch. 76-31; s. 1, ch. 85-329; s. 23, ch. 87-161; s. 2, ch. 88-405; s. 321, ch. 95-148; ss. 4, 167, ch. 99-248.

MISCELLANEOUS FLORIDA MOTORCYCLE LAWS

State Funded Rider Education 
Available for all eligible applicants. 
Required under age 21. 
May waive skills test for successful completion of rider ed. 
May waive knowledge test for successful completion of rider ed. 

Eye Protection 
Required by law. 

Daytime Use Of Headlight 
Required by law. 
Modulating headlight permitted.

Passenger Seat 
Required if carrying a passenger. 

Passenger Footrests 
Required if carrying a passenger. 

Mirror 
Required by law. 

65 MPH Speed Limit 
In effect on designated rural interstate highways.