The 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 can be operated, including the requirement for a valid driver’s license and compliance with traffic regulations. UTVs are permitted to operate on designated two-lane county roads and municipal streets with speed limits under 55 miles per hour, and they may cross the State Highway System at designated angles. The Department of Transportation is granted the authority to prohibit UTV use on certain roads for safety reasons, and local governments can impose more restrictive regulations if deemed necessary.

Additionally, the bill amends section 320.0847 to include UTVs in the licensing requirements for vehicles, mandating that the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles issue license plates for UTVs upon payment of applicable taxes and fees. The license plates must comply with specified provisions. Violations of the new UTV regulations are classified as noncriminal traffic infractions, punishable as nonmoving violations. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
H 221 Filed: 320.0847