The 5 Weirdest Laws in Florida

Paul Brannon | May 1, 2025 | Personal Injury

Florida is well known for its beaches, sunshine, and some pretty strange headlines. But did you know the state also has some weird laws still on the books? From unusual rules about animals to unexpected city ordinances, Florida’s legal system has its fair share of head-scratchers.

Here are five of the weirdest laws in Florida that might surprise you.

1. You Must Feed the Parking Meter if You Tie an Elephant to It

Yes, you read that correctly. According to an old Florida law, if you tie your elephant to a parking meter, you are required to pay the same parking fee as if you had parked a car there.

This law likely dates back to a time when circuses traveled from town to town and occasionally let animals roam the streets. Although you probably won’t see an elephant tied to a meter in modern-day Miami, the rule is still a fun piece of legal history.

Even if it’s rarely enforced, this law shows how old regulations can stick around long after they’ve outlived their purpose.

2. It’s Illegal To Sing in Public While Wearing a Swimsuit

In Sarasota, Florida, you could technically break the law if you decide to belt out your favorite song while wearing a swimsuit in public.

This old ordinance was likely intended to promote “public decency” back in the early 20th century. While it’s unlikely that you’ll be arrested today for singing in your beach attire, the law still exists on paper.

It’s a quirky reminder that local laws often reflect the social attitudes of their time and don’t always get updated to match modern culture.

3. You Can’t Have a Couch in Your Carport

In some parts of Florida, including certain cities like Cape Coral, it is illegal to keep indoor furniture, like couches, in outdoor spaces such as a carport, driveway, or front yard.

The purpose of this rule is to keep neighborhoods looking neat and to avoid the appearance of abandoned property. City officials argue that indoor furniture left outside can quickly become weather-damaged, attract pests, and lower nearby property values.

While it might sound strange at first, this law is still enforced in some areas today. If you live in Florida and want to use your old sofa for outdoor lounging, you might want to stick to furniture that is specifically made for the outdoors.

4. You Have To Pay Your Parking Meter Even if It’s Broken

In some Florida cities, like Tampa and Miami, drivers are required to pay the parking meter even if the machine is broken.

If you cannot insert coins or use a card, you are still expected to find another way to pay, such as using a nearby working meter or a mobile app if available. If you do not pay, you can still get a parking ticket, even though you didn’t cause the meter to break.

The idea behind this rule is to prevent drivers from using broken meters as an excuse to park for free. However, it can definitely frustrate visitors who are not familiar with local parking rules.

5. You Can’t Sell Oranges on the Street Without a Permit

Florida is famous for its oranges, but if you want to sell them on the street, you need the proper permit first.

State law and many city ordinances require anyone selling produce, including oranges, to have a vendor’s license or permit. This rule helps regulate food safety, prevent traffic problems, and make sure vendors are following local business rules.

If you try to sell oranges without permission, you could face fines or even have your fruit confiscated. So, even if you are just trying to make a little extra cash on a sunny afternoon, you will need to make sure you are following all the right steps first.

Florida: An Interesting and Lively Place To Live

Florida’s reputation for weirdness isn’t just about crazy news stories; it’s also baked right into some of its laws. While most of these unusual statutes are relics from the past, they remain part of the legal landscape and offer a fascinating glimpse into the state’s history.

If you live in or are visiting Florida, you probably won’t have to worry about getting fined for singing in your swimsuit or tying your elephant to a meter. Still, these laws remind us that even the rules meant to guide us sometimes have a funny side.

Contact Our Personal Injury Law Firm in Northwest Florida

If you need legal assistance, contact the Fort Walton Beach personal injury lawyers at Brannon & Brannon Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers at your nearest location to schedule a free consultation today.

We have two convenient locations in Northwest Florida:

Brannon & Brannon Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers – Fort Walton Beach Office
975 Mar Walt Dr
Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547
(850) 863-5297

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4507 Furling Ln Suite 214
Destin, FL 32541
(850) 790-0243