This bill establishes new regulations for the operation of utility terrain vehicles (UTVs) in Florida by creating a new section, 316.21275, in the Florida Statutes. It defines a UTV and outlines the conditions under which these vehicles may be operated, including the requirement that they can only be used on designated two-lane county roads and municipal streets with speed limits under 55 miles per hour. The bill also allows for UTV operation during all hours and specifies that operators must possess a valid driver’s license or a learner's permit under direct supervision. Additionally, it grants counties and municipalities the authority to impose more restrictive regulations or prohibit UTV operation on certain roads for safety reasons.

Furthermore, the bill amends section 320.0847 to include UTVs in the licensing requirements, mandating that the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles issue license plates for registered UTVs upon payment of applicable taxes and fees. The license plates must comply with specific provisions outlined in the law. The bill also establishes civil penalties for violations of the new regulations, which are classified as noncriminal traffic infractions. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
S 88 Filed: 320.0847