Everything You Need to Know About Florida’s Motorcycle Laws

Florida is the third-highest state for motorcyclists on the road, thanks to its favorable year-round weather. As of 2022, there were 650,201 registered motorcycles, with an average of 9,400 motorcycle accidents each year. With such a large number of motorcycles on the road, understanding Florida’s motorcycle laws and how they apply to motorcyclists and other motorists is essential. Even tourists visiting the state need to be aware of our motorcycle laws. Reviewing these laws helps you operate your bike more safely and can also help reduce the risk of motorcycle crashes. 

Top 12 Motorcycle Laws To Know in Florida (2025)

Motorcycle laws in Florida cover a range of topics, including helmet requirements, bike requirements, and rules for using the road. Florida motorcyclists must carry insurance and follow traffic laws. Florida state motorcycle laws come from state laws. They apply to all motorcyclists in the State of Florida.

You Must Have a Motorcycle Endorsement

Even if you already have a valid driver’s license, it does not permit you to operate a motorcycle legally in Florida. To obtain a motorcycle endorsement for any two or three-wheeled motorcycle that is 50cc or higher, you must:

• Be at least 16 years old.
• Hold a valid Florida driver’s license with at least a Class E designation.
• Complete the BRC (Basic RiderCourse) or BRCu (Basic RiderCourse Updated) motorcycle safety course through an authorized sponsor.
• Have the endorsement added to your driver’s license within one year.
• Pay an endorsement fee.

Alternatively, you can obtain a “motorcycle only” license. 

Insurance Requirement for Motorcyclists in Florida

Florida laws require all motorcyclists to have financial responsibility in the event of an accident. Most motorcyclists will purchase and carry liability insurance. You must have at least $20,000 in total bodily injury insurance, $10,000 in coverage for property damage and bodily injury per person, and at least $30,000 as your single-incident liability limit. While not required, it is highly recommended to carry at least $10,000 in PIP (personal injury protection) coverage.

Florida Helmet Law

Yes, Florida has motorcycle helmet laws. You must wear a helmet if you’re under the age of 21. Even if you’re over 21, you must still wear a helmet if you don’t carry at least $10,000 in medical coverage in case of an accident. Florida’s motorcycle helmet law is Florida law 316.211.

Any motorcycle rider in Florida needs to know the helmet laws in the state. Florida has helmet laws that apply to all riders. In addition, whether or not you wear a helmet might impact your right to financial recovery if you’re hurt in a motorcycle accident.

Whether you were wearing a helmet or not, if you have been injured in a motorcycle crash, you will want to work with a skilled Miami motorcycle accident attorney to determine the best option for you.

Mandatory Eye Protection for All Riders

Florida laws require motorcycle operators and their passengers to wear eye protection that meets federal standards. Eye protection must be impact-resistant. Their eye protection could be a face shield attached to a helmet. Motorcycle drivers and passengers can also opt to wear goggles or spectacles if they do not wear a helmet. 

Motorcycles Have the Right To Full Use of the Road in Florida

Under Florida law 316.208, the rules of the road apply to Florida motorcyclists. When you ride a motorcycle in Florida, you have to follow the same laws that others have to follow. You can’t weave in and out of traffic, and you must obey all traffic signals. Also, if you’re traveling on a moped near the regular flow of traffic, you must hug the right-hand curb. You also have the same rights that other drivers have on the road.

Lane Splitting Is Illegal in Florida

Have you ever been driving on a multi-lane road and had a motorcyclist drive between your vehicle and the vehicle in the lane beside you? This is called lane splitting. Since motorcycles are smaller than commercial and passenger vehicles, they can fit in places where other vehicles can’t. When traffic is backed up, it can be tempting for motorcycles to take advantage of this.

Florida law prohibits motorcyclists from lane splitting. Statute 316.209 also requires motorcycles to give vehicles one entire lane in passing; they are not to pass a vehicle while sharing the same lane as the vehicle they’re overtaking.

No More Than Two Motorcyclists Riding Abreast

You have the right to full use of your lane, but you can also share a lane with another motorcyclist if you want to. Florida law 316.209 says that other drivers must give you full use of a lane. Although you may not drive between lanes of traffic or lines and rows of vehicles, you may choose to ride two abreast with another motorcyclist.

Laws Regarding Passengers

Motorcycle passengers include those behind the driver and those riding in sidecars. Florida laws require motorcycles to have footrests for passengers seated behind the driver. Footrests secure the location of the passenger’s feet while in transit and prevent the passenger’s legs from moving and interfering with another motorcycle if two motorcycles are riding abreast. It also prevents the passenger’s feet from hitting the rear wheel or the road. If the passenger’s feet strike the bike, roadway, or another object, it could jar the vehicle and interfere with the driver’s ability to control the bike, which could cause them to crash. 

State laws also clarify which motorcycles can carry passengers behind the driver. Motorcyclists must have a vehicle with a seat designed for the driver and passenger. 

Passengers must have one leg on each side of the seat when riding behind a driver. Statute 316.2085 requires passengers to face forward and also prohibits passengers from riding a motorcycle in any way that restricts the driver’s view or impairs their ability to operate the motorcycle.

Listening Devices

Florida motorcycle laws prohibit operators from wearing any type of listening device that prevents them from hearing surrounding noises. Individuals who need hearing aids can wear them in both ears while operating a motorcycle. Operators are allowed to wear headphones and headsets, provided they are in only one ear and the other ear is unobstructed. 

Headlights Must Be On Always

Florida law 316.405 requires Florida motorcycle riders to drive using a headlight even in the middle of the day. The law makes it clear that failing to use a headlight isn’t evidence of negligence in a civil case. However, if the failure to use a headlight is the proximate cause of a crash, it may be evidence of the motorcyclist’s negligence in a civil case.

Motorcycles Must Have Mirrors

State laws require all motor vehicles, including motorcycles, licensed in Florida, to have mirrors. The law stipulates that the mirror must provide the vehicle’s driver with a view of the road behind them. Drivers must be able to use the mirror to view no less than 200 feet behind their vehicle.

Stunts Such as Wheelies Are Illegal

There are several stunts and dangerous activities motorcycle drivers may be tempted to try. These activities include the following:

• Burnouts
• Drifting
• Making doughnuts
• Popping wheelies
• Street racing

Florida Statute 316.191 defines these terms and other terms related to dangerous driving activities. The statute prohibits drivers from engaging in stunt driving while operating any motor vehicle, including motorcycles. The penalties for violating this statute increase in severity if the driver has more than one conviction. Drivers lose their driver’s license for a year and must pay a fine for a first offense. The fines increase, and the driver’s Florida motorcycle license suspension extends to two or four years for a driver’s second and third convictions.

Other Florida Motorcycle Laws

Florida laws also stipulate the following:

• Motorcycle drivers can’t carry items that prevent them from using both hands to operate their vehicles.
• Motorcycles must have a license tag permanently secured to the back of the bike, and this tag must not be obstructed.
• Motorcycles must be equipped with parking lamps to ensure parked motorcycles are visible to other drivers.

There Are Requirements for Motorcycles in Florida

In addition to rules for drivers, there are motorcycle rules in Florida that govern what your motorcycle needs to have to be lawful on the road. Florida law 316.2095 and Florida law 316.222 list requirements for infrastructure for motorcycles. Your bike must have footrests, handlebars, stop lamps, and signals. Florida law 322.01 defines a motorcycle as a vehicle with no more than three wheels. A motorcycle is powered by a motor, and it has a displacement of no more than 50 cubic centimeters. It also has a seat and saddle for the rider.

Most Violations of Florida Motorcycle Laws Are Civil Infractions

Usually, if you break a motorcycle law in Florida, you’ve committed a civil infraction. Motorcycle law violations are civil infractions. While they’re not crimes, they may still impact your license and cost you a great deal. Some motorcycle-related offenses are crimes. If you ride a motorcycle while you’re drunk, you can be charged with drunk driving. If you drive recklessly, you may face charges for reckless driving in Florida. As a motorcyclist in Florida, you must follow the rules for careful driving and avoid criminal offenses like drunk driving.

Contact Our Motorcycle Accident Attorneys in Miami

Have you been hurt in a motorcycle accident? Are you wondering how Florida motorcycle laws impact your rights? The injuries if you’re hurt in a crash can have long-term impacts on your livelihood. Contact our experienced motorcycle accident attorneys in Miami for help.

At Bernstein & Maryanoff, Injury Attorneys, we’re motorcyclist enthusiasts, too. We know that if you’re hurt because of a motorcycle accident, you need help right away. Contact us today for a review of your case.

FAQ

Sources:

FLA. STAT. § 316.191. (2025). 

FLA. STAT. § 316.208. (2025).

FLA. STAT. § 316.2085. (2025). 

FLA. STAT. § 316.209. (2025).

FLA. STAT. § 316.2095. (2025).

FLA. STAT. § 316.211. (2025).

FLA. STAT. § 316.222. (2025). 

FLA. STAT. § 316.294. (2025).

FLA. STAT. § 316.304. (2025). 

FLA. STAT. § 316.405. (2025).

FLA. STAT. § 316.425. (2025). 

FLA. STAT. § 322.01. (2025).

FLA. STAT. § 95.11(5)(a). (2025).

Motorcycle Rider Educations & Endorsements.

U.S. Motorcycle Registration Estimates in 2022, By State. (2024).