summary
Introduced
01/24/2025
01/24/2025
In Committee
02/06/2025
02/06/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
06/16/2025
06/16/2025
Introduced Session
2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
An act relating to utility terrain vehicles; creating s. 316.21275, F.S.; defining terms; authorizing a utility terrain vehicle (UTV) to be operated during all hours; authorizing the operation of UTVs on certain roadways; authorizing the operation of UTVs on certain parts of the State Highway System; authorizing the Department of Transportation to prohibit the use of UTVs under certain circumstances; authorizing persons possessing certain licenses to operate a UTV; requiring owners or operators of a UTV to comply with certain requirements and regulations; authorizing a county or municipality to restrict the operation of UTVs under certain circumstances; providing civil penalties; amending s. 320.0847, F.S.; requiring the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles to issue a license plate to the owner or lessee of a vehicle registered as a UTV upon payment of certain taxes and fees; requiring that license plates for UTVs comply with specified provisions; providing an effective date.
AI Summary
This bill establishes comprehensive regulations for Utility Terrain Vehicles (UTVs) in Florida, defining a UTV as a vehicle under 70 inches wide with side-by-side seating, foot controls, steering wheel, and specific safety equipment. The bill authorizes UTV operation during all hours on designated two-lane county roads and municipal streets with speed limits under 55 miles per hour, after local authorities determine safe travel conditions. UTVs may only cross state highways at approximately 90-degree angles and at safe crossing points, with the Department of Transportation retaining the right to prohibit UTV use on specific roads for safety reasons. Operators must possess a valid driver's license or learner's permit with direct adult supervision, comply with traffic regulations, provide proof of ownership, maintain insurance, and display proper license plates. The bill empowers counties and municipalities to enact more restrictive ordinances or prohibit UTV operation on local roads if safety concerns exist, and violations will be treated as non-criminal traffic infractions. Additionally, the bill amends existing statutes to require the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles to issue specific license plates for UTVs, with the new regulations taking effect on July 1, 2025.
Committee Categories
Government Affairs
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Died in Government Operations Subcommittee (on 06/16/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2025/221 |
| BillText | https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2025/221/BillText/Filed/PDF |
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