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 for a valid driver’s license and compliance with traffic regulations. UTVs are permitted to operate during all hours on designated two-lane county roads and municipal streets with speed limits under 55 miles per hour. The bill also allows the Department of Transportation to prohibit UTV operation on certain roads for safety reasons and grants local governments the authority to impose additional restrictions.

Additionally, the bill amends section 320.0847 to include UTVs in the list of vehicles eligible for license plates, which must comply with specific provisions. It mandates that the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles issue a license plate to UTV owners upon payment of applicable taxes and fees. The bill also establishes civil penalties for violations of the new UTV regulations, which are classified as noncriminal traffic infractions. The act is set to take effect on January 1, 2027.

Statutes affected:
S 356 Filed: 320.0847