NEW (SLIGHTLY) ENHANCED PENALTIES FOR DRIVERS WHO INJURE OR KILL BICYCLISTS AND PEDESTRIANS IN FLORIDA
Florida finally passed a law this year that enhances the penalties for drivers who seriously injure or kill a vulnerable road user like a pedestrian or bicyclist. As I’ve covered before, bills that would have provided enhanced penalties in these cases have consistently failed in the Florida legislature in 2019, 2020, and 2022. But we now have a victory for our side.
Concealed Carry in Florida: License No Longer Needed
Carrying a concealed firearm without a license will no longer be a crime in Florida after July 1. This following the signing into law of HB 543 by Governor DeSantis on April 3. Prior to the law’s passage carrying a concealed firearm without a concealed weapons license (CWL) was a third-degree felony, and first-degree misdemeanor […]
“I was only drinking at red lights and stop signs, officer!”
I’m sure you heard that creative defense from the Florida man out in Vero Beach when he was stopped for suspicion of DUI. He was stopped after a woman called police to complain about him continually hitting her bumper with his car while waiting in line at the McDonald’s driver thru. The police officer showed […]
Honoring Lives Lost: World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims in Florida
Florida, known for its vibrant culture and scenic landscapes, is unfortunately also recognized for some of the most dangerous roads in the country. Every year, countless lives are affected by crashes on the roads, leaving families shattered and communities grieving. As we observe the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims, it’s essential to reflect on the impact these tragedies have had on our lives and reaffirm our commitment to road safety.
Can (and should) bicyclists in Florida wear headphones?
I was recently asked if cyclists in Florida could wear headphones while riding their bikes. Of course, I had to give the cliché lawyer answer: “It depends.”
The reason is because the law governing this area gives plenty of exceptions.
Florida Legislature tries again to pass a law protecting Vulnerable Road Users
Today the 2020 Legislative Session was convened by the Florida Legislature and there will be another attempt at passing protections for vulnerable road users (VRU). After the success in passing a ban on handheld devices in school and work zones and texting while driving, there’s hope that more can be done this year.
E-bikes & crashes: what Florida electric bike riders should know
As the popularity of electric bicycles, or e-bikes, continues to grow in Florida and the US, so will the likelihood of crashes with drivers increase to perhaps the same levels we see with riders of conventional bicycles. So what protections do e-bike riders have? What are their rights and obligations? What are their options if they are injured in a crash?
Changes Effecting Florida Bicyclists Become Law
There are some big changes effecting Florida bicyclists starting July 1, 2021. On June 29, Governor Ron DeSantis signed SB 950, addressing bicycle and pedestrian safety, into law. I wrote about the initial version of this bill back in March when it was introduced in the Senate, along with its companion bill in the House. The bill was modified as it travelled through committees for its final votes, passing both the Senate and House. Here is what the final version will now mean for Floridians.
Are protections for ‘Vulnerable Road Users’ finally coming to Florida?
There are identical bills in both the House and Senate of the Florida Legislature this session that would for the first time provide meaningful protection and justice for pedestrians and bicyclists injured and killed in crashes with automobiles.
Big safety changes for bicyclists and pedestrians proposed in the Florida Legislature
Two bills have been introduced in the Florida Legislature that are one of the most progressive for bicyclist and pedestrian safety for the state in recent memory.