The bill amends section 1006.23 of the Florida Statutes, which pertains to hazardous walking conditions for public school students. It revises the criteria that define such conditions by specifying that a walkway is considered hazardous if it does not provide an area at least 4 feet wide adjacent to the road for students to walk safely, excluding drainage features. Notably, the bill adds new provisions stating that a walkway is also deemed hazardous if it is located along a freeway or expressway, including any entrance or exit ramps, regardless of the posted speed limit. Furthermore, if the road is uncurbed and has a speed limit of 50 miles per hour or greater, the walking area must be set off from the road by at least 3 feet.

The bill also clarifies exceptions to these criteria, indicating that the hazardous walking condition designation does not apply if the road has a traffic volume of less than 180 vehicles per hour per direction during school commute times or if it is situated in a residential area with a posted speed limit of 30 miles per hour or less. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
S 650 Filed: 1006.23