FLORIDA MOTORCYCLE LAWS

The fact that you have a driver’s license does not allow you to operate a motorcycle in Florida. You must also obtain a motorcycle endorsement. The endorsement is required to operate any two- or three-wheeled motorcycle having a 50cc or larger engine. If you are at least 16 years of age and have a driver’s license, you must complete and pass the Basic Rider Course offered by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation to have a motorcycle endorsement added to the license. If you don’t have a driver’s license, you can obtain a license limited to motorcycle operation. To do so, you must pass the knowledge test and complete the Basic Rider Course. Just keep in mind that the motorcycle-only license does not authorize you to drive a car.

Riders younger than 21 years of age must wear an approved helmet when operating a motorcycle. If you are 21 or older, a helmet is optional. However, if you opt not to wear one, you must have insurance with at least $10,000 in medical benefits coverage. This coverage pays for medical care in case you suffer an injury in a crash. 

The statute that gives adult riders the ability to opt out of wearing helmets does not apply to protective eyewear. All motorcycle operators must wear goggles or other forms of protective eyewear when riding. This is for everyones safety. 

 The practice of passing by riding between two occupied lanes of traffic, which is known as lane splitting is unlawful in Florida. State law protects the right of a motorcycle rider to the full use of a lane without being encroached upon by vehicles. At the same time, the law prohibits motorcycles from overtaking and passing between occupied lanes of traffic. 

The law against lane splitting also makes it illegal for more than two motorcycles to ride abreast in a single lane. Lanes are not wide enough to safely accommodate more than two motorcycles riding side-by-side.