Ritch Workman, a Rebulican Representative in Melbourne, is seeking to repeal statutes penalizing adultery and cohabitation and statutes like one that requires all bicyclists to keep one hand on the handlebars. The laws have been on the books since the late 1800s. His bill, HB 4021 was filed last week.
“Cohabitation” of unmarried people is currently a second-degree misdemeanor, punishable by $500 or up to 60 days in jail.
The article is the Sun Sentinel can be seen here.
Some of the more interesting Florida laws still in existance:
- If an elephant is left tied to a parking meter, the parking fee has to be paid just as it would for a vehicle;
- Failure to tell your neighbor his house is on fire is illegal;
It is illegal to fish while driving across a bridge;- It is illegal to skateboard without a license;
- It is illegal to fart in a public place after 6:00pm on a Thursday;
- It is considered an offense to shower naked;
- Oral sex is illegal;
- You may not kiss your wife’s breasts;
- When having sex, only the missionary position is legal;
- Florida prohibits topless walking or running within a 150 foot zone between the beach and the street;
- Men may not be seen publicly in any kind of strapless gown;
- Having sexual relations with a porcupine is illegal;
- Prostitution will result in a five year banishment and a bus ticket out of town. The prostitute will also be given spending money;
- Penalty for horse theft is death by hanging;
- Women may be fined for falling asleep under a hair dryer, as can the salon owner;
- Unmarried women are prohibited from parachuting on Sunday or they shall risk arrest, fine, and/or jailing;
- Miami: It is forbidden to imitate an animal;
- Hialeah: Ambling and strolling is a misdemeanor;
- Pinecrest: In order to operate a burglar alarm, a permit must be obtained;
- Key West: Chickens are considered a ‘protected species’;
- Sanford Stage: Nudity is banned, with the exception of “bona fide” theatrical performances. Violating this ordinance results in a $100 fine;
- Sarasota: If you hit a pedestrian you are fined $78.00;
- Sarasota: You may not catch crabs;
- Daytona Beach: The molestation of trash cans is banned;
- Daytona Beach: While intoxicated, being under influence of narcotics is prohibited;
- Daytona Beach: It shall be unlawful for any person to swim or bathe in that portion of the Atlantic Ocean within the corporate limits of the city when under the influence of intoxicating liquor or narcotic drugs to the extent that his or her normal faculties are impaired;
- Jupiter Inlet Colony: Under a 1959 ordinance, stubborn children were considered vagrants;
- Tampa: It is illegal to eat cottage cheese on Sunday after 6:00 P.M.;
- Tampa: Florida law forbids rats to leave the ships docked in Tampa Bay;
- Saratoga: It is illegal to sing in a public place while wearing a bathing suit;
- Pensacola: Citizens may not be caught downtown without at least $10 dollars on their person;
- Pensacola: It is illegal to roll a barrel on any street, fines go up according to the contents of the barrel;
- Pensacola: A women can be fined (only after death), for being electrocuted in a bath-tub because of using self-beautification utensils
