Florida Car Seat Laws Explained

Written by Mary Salatino | Edited by Michael Purser

Ensuring child passenger safety is one of the most important responsibilities for drivers in Florida. The state has specific legal requirements designed to protect young passengers and reduce injuries in the event of a crash.

Florida law requires drivers to use federally approved car seats or booster seats that fit a child’s age, size and development. But what does that really mean for your family? Which type of seat is right, and when is it time to switch?

We’ll discuss age requirements, types of car restraints, penalties, exceptions to FL laws and more. Understanding these rules can make a huge difference in your child’s safety.

Florida Car Seat Requirements by Age

Florida law requires drivers to secure young children in a crash-tested, federally approved child restraint system anytime the vehicle is in motion. The specific requirements vary by age.

Children Ages Birth to Three

Individuals from birth through age three must be secured in either:

A separate child safety carrier (car seat)
The vehicle manufacturer’s integrated child restraint, if equipped

All restraint systems must be federally approved and crash tested.

Infants and toddlers must ride in rear-facing seats until they reach the manufacturer’s height and weight limits. Rear-facing carriers should not be used in the front row.

Children Ages Four to Five

Children ages four and five must continue to ride in a federally approved vehicle seat. Acceptable options include:

A separate carrier
An integrated child restraint
A booster

This requirement applies regardless of the kid’s size unless a qualifying exemption (such as a medical reason) applies.

Children Age Six and Older

Once a kid turns six, Florida law allows them to use a properly fitted seatbelt rather than a separate restraint device.

A seatbelt fits properly when:

The lap belt lies snugly across the upper thighs (not the stomach)
The shoulder belt crosses the middle of the shoulder and chest (not the neck or face)

Although children aged six and older are legally permitted to use a seatbelt independently, many will still require a booster to ensure proper fit and protection.

Rear-Facing vs. Forward-Facing Seats

Are you sure it’s time to switch your little one from a rear-facing to a forward-facing seat? Parents and caregivers should always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations based on height and weight, not just age.

Safety experts advise that children remain in a rear-facing seat for as long as possible, up to the maximum height or weight allowed by the manufacturer. Rear-facing seats distribute crash forces more evenly across their back and reduce stress on the neck and spinal cord.

Transition depends on these three things:

The specific limits outlined by the manufacturer
The kid’s height and weight
Proper installation and fit

Here’s a tip that’s easy to overlook: regularly check for recalls through the manufacturer or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to ensure the seat is free of defects.

Booster Seat Guidelines and Safety Recommendations

Boosters are designed for children who have outgrown forward-facing accommodations but are not yet tall enough for an adult seatbelt to fit properly.

The use of a booster is recommended until a child is at least 4 feet, 9 inches tall. At this height, seatbelts typically fit correctly, reducing the risk of severe injury in a crash.

Florida law currently requires children ages five and under to use a kid’s seat, but does not set a height requirement for booster seats. However, continued use is suggested for children ages six to eight unless they are taller than 4 feet, 9 inches.

Rideshare, Rental Cars and Taxis

Florida’s car seat law generally applies to vehicles operated on public roads, including rideshare and rental cars.

Drivers for Uber and Lyft must follow the same requirements as any other driver. Parents or guardians are responsible for providing and installing an approved car seat, as rideshare companies typically do not supply them.

The law also applies to rental vehicles. While some taxis may qualify for limited exemptions, rideshare vehicles do not, and using an appropriate child restraint is always the safest choice.

Exceptions to Florida Car Seat Laws

Florida law provides limited exceptions to seating requirements. These exceptions typically apply only in specific circumstances.

Medical Emergencies or Medical Conditions

A child may be exempt from standard requirements if:

A medical emergency prevents the use of a child restraint device
They have a documented medical condition that makes the use of a standard restraint inappropriate.

In such cases, medical documentation may be required to support the exemption in case you are stopped by law enforcement.

Penalties for Violating Florida Car Seat Laws

Failing to comply with these laws can result in both financial penalties and driving record consequences.

Fines and Points

A violation may result in:

A $60 fine
Three points assessed against the driver’s license

Under Chapter 318 of the Florida Statutes, a child harness system violation is classified as a moving violation.

Accumulating points on a driver’s license can lead to increased insurance premiums. In some cases, you may face license suspension if multiple violations occur within a certain time frame .

How Violations Affect Personal Injury Claims

Beyond fines and penalties, improper child restraint use can significantly impact what happens after an accident, especially if injuries occur.

Insurance Companies

If an improperly restrained child is injured in a crash, insurance companies may argue that the severity of the injuries was partly due to the failure to irresponsible behavior on the part of the driver. In these cases, insurers may attempt to:

Claim the injuries would have been less severe with proper restraint
Dispute the extent of damages
Reduce the amount of compensation paid

Even when another driver caused the crash, disputes over proper restraint use can complicate the claims process.

Comparative Negligence in Florida

Under Florida law, failure to use a child restraint system does not constitute comparative negligence in an accident claim. Basically, a parent’s failure to use a proper child restraint does not automatically reduce their legal right to pursue compensation from an at-fault driver.

However, while it may not legally bar recovery, improper use can still become a point of contention in litigation, particularly when insurers argue about injury severity or causation.

Legal Protection Through Compliance

Proper child restraint compliance provides families with stronger legal protection in the event of an accident. When a child is correctly secured in a federally approved device:

Insurers lack grounds to dispute injury causation
Claims are less likely to be complicated by restraint-related arguments
Families can focus on recovery rather than legal defenses

Following Florida’s car seat laws not only protects children physically, but it also protects your family legally.

Protect Your Family — and Your Driving Record

Knowing Florida’s car seat laws is only part of being a responsible driver. Pair your knowledge with smart defensive driving habits for even greater safety.

SafeMotorist offers Florida-approved online driving courses designed to help you stay compliant, avoid points, reduce fines and become a safer, more confident driver. Whether you’re meeting a court requirement or simply want to protect the most important passengers in your vehicle, our convenient courses make it easy.

Enroll in a SafeMotorist course today, for you and your family.