Florida Child Restraint Laws 2025 Update
Keith Petrochko • July 24, 2025
Florida law requires proper child‐restraint devices to protect young passengers. Failure to comply can result in fines, license points, and increased insurance premiums. However, the failure to consistently use an approved child-restraint, absent the monetary consequences, can be truly devastating. This guide explains the statutory requirements, penalties, and best practices for compliance in Daytona Beach, Orlando, Tampa, and beyond.
Statutory Requirements
Age‑Based Restraint Rules
Children age 1-day to three years must use a separate carrier or manufacturer‑integrated child seat.
Children age four to five years must use a separate car seat, integrated child seat, or booster seat if they are too small for a standard seat belt.
All passengers under age eighteen, in front or back seat, must be properly restrained. Parents and drivers bear responsibility for compliance.
Installation and Positioning
Proper Installation
- Place infant seats rear‑facing until the child exceeds manufacturer weight or height limits.
- Transition to forward‑facing seats only when the child outgrows the rear‑facing limits.
- Use the vehicle’s lower anchors or seat belt lock‑off to secure the seat tightly.
Correct Harness Fit
- Harness straps must lie flat without twists.
- Straps should be at or below shoulder level for rear‑facing and at or above shoulder level for forward‑facing.
Exemptions and Special Situations
Florida law provides limited exceptions:
- Medical emergencies when no child restraint device is available.
- The child has a documented medical condition requiring an exception
- Instances where nonfamily members give rides without compensation.
Penalties and Enforcement
Fines and License Points
- Base fine: $60
- License points: three
- Court costs and fees may raise total penalty above $100
- Accumulation of twelve points within twelve months may lead to license suspension. Law enforcement agencies in Orlando, Tampa, and Daytona Beach actively enforce “Click It or Ticket,” including child restraint checks.
Impact on Insurance
Child restraint citations can lead to increased premiums and affect driving records.
Safety Tips for Parents
- Register new car seats with the manufacturer for recall notifications.
- Have seats inspected by certified technicians at local fire stations or police departments.
- Replace seats involved in crashes, even if undamaged.
- Follow manufacturer expiration dates, typically six years from date of manufacture.