The Sunshine State’s Silly Laws: 4 Comically Outdated Laws Still on the Books in Florida

Hey there, fellow law enthusiasts! Are you ready for some fun facts about Florida’s legal system? As much as we appreciate the importance of the law, it’s always amusing to look back at some of the outdated statutes that have yet to be repealed. Florida, in particular, has some pretty comical laws that might make you raise an eyebrow or two. So, let’s dive in and take a look at five comically outdated laws still on the books in Florida!

1. No Singing in a Swimsuit Believe it or not, it is illegal to sing while wearing a swimsuit in Florida. That’s right, folks – if you’re planning on hitting up the beach and bursting into song, think twice. According to Florida Statute 400.93, any person who appears in a state-licensed public facility in a swimsuit shall be deemed to be dressed in an indecent manner and is guilty of a misdemeanor. It’s unclear why singing in a swimsuit is deemed to be more indecent than simply wearing a swimsuit, but perhaps lawmakers were concerned about people breaking into risque performances. It’s probably safe to say that this law is not enforced very often, but it’s still on the books.
2. No Skateboarding Without a License If you’re a skateboarder in Florida, you might want to make sure you have a license handy. According to Florida Statute 316.0085, it is illegal to skateboard without a license. Yes, you read that correctly. In order to skateboard legally in the state of Florida, you need to obtain a license from the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. The law was created in 1994 in an effort to regulate skateboarding on public roads, but it’s safe to say that it’s not a law that’s enforced very often.
3. No Selling Condoms from Vending Machines If you’re in the business of selling condoms in Florida, you might want to steer clear of vending machines. According to Florida Statute 847.011, it is illegal to sell or dispense condoms from vending machines. This law was put into place in the 1980s during the height of the AIDS epidemic as a way to regulate the sale and distribution of condoms. While the intention behind the law was likely to promote safe sex practices, the reality is that it is an outdated restriction on the availability of a basic healthcare item.
4. No Singing in Public While Wearing a Nightgown Apparently, Florida lawmakers are really concerned about people singing in public. In addition to the aforementioned ban on singing in swimsuits, Florida Statute 316.2061 also prohibits individuals from singing in public while wearing a nightgown. The law states that any person who appears in public in a state of nudity, or in a dress not belonging to his or her sex, or in an indecent or vulgar dress, is guilty of a misdemeanor. While this law was likely created to prevent public indecency, it’s unclear why wearing a nightgown specifically is seen as vulgar or indecent.

While some of these outdated laws may seem amusing, they serve as a reminder of the evolution of our society and legal system. As times change, so do our values and beliefs, and it’s important for laws to reflect that. Although these laws may still be on the books, they are often unenforced or have been rendered irrelevant. However, it’s worth noting that not all outdated laws are comical or harmless. Some can be discriminatory or have negative impacts on marginalized groups. It’s important for lawmakers to regularly review and update laws to ensure they are fair, just, and reflect the needs of our modern society.