Florida Motorcycle Laws 101- Ride Legally and Safely!

Do you know Florida's laws regarding motorcycles? In this article, motorcycle accident attorney, Jeffrey Meldon, explains Florida's laws and regulations pertaining to licensure and requirements for bikers. Ride legally and safely!

How does Florida law define a motorcycle?

The Florida Department of Motor Vehicles (FLDMV) defines a motorcycle as any motor vehicle with 2 or 3 wheels and an engine of 50 cc or more. The FLDMV excludes mo-peds, scooters, and tractors from this classification and, instead, requires a Class E or greater license.

What does Florida Law require to operate a motorcycle?

To legally operate a motorcycle in Florida, law requires:

  • A Florida motorcycle operating license, or equivalent out-of-state motorcycle endorsement;
  • Attaining at least 16 years of age;
  • Completing a 15-hour basic rider education course, accredited by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF), including skills training, road safety knowledge exam, and hearing and vision tests;
  • If an operator is 16 to 20 years old, a state-approved safety helmet is mandatory;
  • If an operator is 21 years or older and carries the required $10,000 in insurance, the motorcyclist may "ride free," without a helmet;
  • Riders must use state -approved eye protection, such as goggles, glasses, or a windshield;
  • Daytime use of a headlight;
  • Riders may not use head phones;
  • Handlebars that are no higher that the rider's shoulders;
  • Use of turn signals
  • Any passenger or rider on a motorcycle under 21 years of age must wear an state-approved helmet;
  • Operators may not consume alcohol and ride with a BAC of .08 or greater.

See the FLDMV "2006 Florida Motorcycle Operating Manual," online for more information.

What insurance is required to ride on a motorcycle in Florida?

Legally, PIP requirements do not apply to motorcyclists. While Florida law does not require "No-fault" insurance for motorcyclists, I recommend obtaining a free copy of my book, "Buying Florida Auto Insurance," for maximum protection, in the event of an accident.

Florida "Financial Responsibility" laws apply to motorcycle operators, including property damage and bodily injury liability requirements. I recommend motorcyclists, in particular, exceed minimum limits. Failure to carry minimum recommended limits may result in civil and financial consequences, like no money to pay for damage to you and your bike. See the FLDMV "2006 Florida Motorcycle Operating Manual," online for more information.

For more information:

Can I "ride free," legally in Florida? Gainesville motorcycle lawyer explains

Florida Motorcycle Deaths Drop -Ride Safe Bike Weekers!

Is Bodily Injury Liability insurance required in Florida?




I am local Accident Attorney, Jeffrey Meldon, and I strongly believe that public education is the first step in the prevention of and/or recovery from a serious accident. 

My Office and I take pride in our work, and the results we get for our clients.  

The Law Office of Jeffrey Meldon and Associates is a regional law firm that is located in Gainesville, Florida. We are personal injury lawyers, litigators and trial lawyers that have been working to get accident victims the justice they deserve for over 37 years throughout North Florida and all over Florida. Accidents involving a car crash, truck wreck, and motorcycle, bicycle, or pedestrian accidents, dog bites, slip and falls and medical malpractice are all included in their practice as accident attorneys.
We have been proudly representing injured accident victims in Gainesville, Ocala, Lake City, Inverness, Daytona Beach, Dunnellon, Palatka, The Villages, and Alachua County, Marion County, Columbia County, Citrus County, Volusia County, Sumter County, Putnam County  and the entire North and Central Florida since 1971.
For more information on how we can help you, or with any other question you may have, feel free to contact my Office at 1 800 373 8000.