Florida Car Seat Laws: Everything You Need To Know
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When you have children, you have to take extra precautions when you’re on the road. From keeping them in the right kind of seat to buckling them up safely, all of this is necessary and is part of the law. Like many states, Florida car seat laws determine the safest seating for children based on height and weight, something that parents should understand. That’s why we have a breakdown here, helping you keep your child safe and avoid penalties.
Breakdown of Florida Car Seat Laws
Florida car seat laws are found in section 316.613 of Florida statutes. There’s a lot of legal jargon to sift through but, a quick breakdown of the laws state:
- All children from newborn to three years old have to be in a car seat that’s either separate from the car or integrated within as per Florida’s regulations.
- Children aged four through five must be in either a carrier or a booster seat.
- At the age of six, parents can choose whether to keep their children in a booster or buckle them up with a regular seatbelt.
Florida’s state laws pertaining to car seats are not very clear in terms of the true definition of a “child restraint system.” In addition, these laws are only the minimum requirement and should not be mistaken as the safest option. Parents are still encouraged to do their own research and find what’s best and safes for their children while still obeying the laws.
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An Important Note on Car Seats
Florida does not mention any requirements as far as weight and height. When it comes to car seats, you’ll find that they base their guidelines on the weight and height of children instead of age. Be sure that you are checking requirements and choosing a car seat or restraint system that has been tested and federally approved.
Rear-Facing Seats: When to Use Them
Rear-facing is said to be the safest way to travel with children from newborn and up. The state of Florida does not state when you should change the position of these seats, leaving it up to the parent to decide. To determine when you can safely switch, keep an eye on the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Front Facing Seats: When to Use Them
There are also no laws that dictate when a parent should switch the seat in the other direction. Forward-facing seats are normally for older children, but you should check the manufacturer’s recommendations for the seat that you purchased. As a common rule, you can usually change the direction of your seat when your child hits 40 to 45 pounds.
Booster Seats: When to Use Them
The one seating arrangement that Florida does mandate is the booster seat. They state that no child under the age of four should be in a booster seat, not mentioning anything about height and weight. However, when you look at studies and recommendations from experts in the field, they claim that, even if your child is four, they still need to weigh 85 pounds or more and have a height of at least 35 inches.
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The Downside of Florida Car Seat Laws
One of the downsides of Florida car seat laws is the lack of specificity. On top of that, some children don’t meet recommended weight and height requirements for safe seating. There is a lot of grey area but, you should always do what’s best and safest for your child. Even though you can turn them or switch the seats because of their age, you might want to wait a bit.
Before switching seats or going from one type of seat or seating arrangement to another, you should make sure that your child:
- Is too large for the harness in forward-facing seating
- Is between 40 and 85 pounds
- Is at least 35 inches but not past 4’9”
- Can sit up straight with their knees slightly bent
Legal Seatbelt Use Among Children
According to Florida laws, children can get out of the seat and start using a real seatbelt when they hit the age of six. Still, this just depends on the weight and height of your child. Most children do not meet the recommended height and weight to switch to a seatbelt, so you should consider a few things before making the switch. Experts say that children should be at least 4’9” before switching to a seatbelt and do a bit of testing beforehand, checking for four key things.
- Check that your child’s back is up against the seat and flat.
- Make sure that their knees extend to the seat and can bend at a 90⁰ angle.
- The seatbelt touches the thighs and doesn’t go up too high on their abdomen.
- The shoulder strap of the seatbelt does not strap around or close to the neck.
Inspecting Your Car Seat: Where to Go
If you’re a new parent and not sure if you’re doing everything right, you can get your seat checked out for safety at one of many locations. There are kid inspections stations that you can take a drive to or you can visit a local police or fire station too. Make sure you’re buckling your little one up safely and that their seat is attached correctly.
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Follow These Recommendations to Keep Your Kids Safe
Though Florida has laws when it comes to strapping up your kid, you should always consider what is the safest for them. Consider the manufacture’s recommendations for the car seat or booster seat that you’re using, making sure that your child’s age also corresponds to the laws in Florida.
Though Florida has recommendations based on age, you should still follow recommendations based on height and weight. This will ensure that your kid is safe and that they are strapped in correctly when riding in your car. As your children grow, keep them safe and comfortable while on the road, taking off, and going fun places with the whole family.
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