Booster seat law in Florida?

[DaniB]

Here in Canada my 6 year old has to stay in a booster seat until he's either 8 or 9... Not quite sure which but I have 2 more years to find out so I'm no worried about the age right now.

What is the law in Florida however? We may be taking a taxi once or twice in WDW and I'm wondering how that works.

Dani

 

[LittleStinkerbelle]

I can't remember what the exact law is in Florida off the top of my head (I want to say they don't need one once they are 4 -- I know the age limit is lower than what we have at home). In any event I wanted to say that if you do want use a booster or car seat, some of the Mears cabs have them available. We've asked a few times for one and the CM at the hotel radios the request. We've never had to wait more than a few minutes. The last cab we used with DD was a mini-van and when he arrived there was a carseat already installed and he had two backless boosters in the back -- so he was more than prepared!

 

[twinsplusone]

I can't remember the exact age either, but last year I know my 6 yr old twins didn't need a booster.

 

[jodifla]

In Florida, kids can use a seat belt starting at 4 years old.

 

[encinc]

In Florida, kids can use a seat belt starting at 4 years old.

Keep in mind though, that while booster laws vary from state to state, the laws of physics do not. If there is any way that you can get a cab with a booster seat your child would be much safer that way! I will be glad when my kids are finally big enough to fit properly in a seat belt ... whenever that might be!

 

[DaniB]

Ahh, good to hear! I was not sure if the taxis would have booster seats. I would prefer he remain in one if possible.

Heck, since my son is not over the height limit yet, I insist he stay strapped down in the forward-facing seat until he outgrows it! Keeps him safer a little longer, and keeps him from freely moving around a whole lot more as he can in the booster.

Dani

 

[sjsjbrook]

according to http://sheriff.org/safety/carseat.cfm



Florida law requires children under 5 years of age to be properly restrained no matter where they are seated in the vehicle. Children through age 3 must be secured in a separate carrier (child safety seat) or in a vehicle manufacturer's integrated child safety seat. For children ages 4 - 5, a separate carrier, an integrated child safety seat, or a safety belt may be used. If a safety belt does not fit the child correctly, a booster set should be used to correctly position the lap and shoulder belts once they outgrow forward facing child safety seats (generally at about 40 pounds and 4 years old). Children from approximately 40-80 pounds and under 4'9" in height should ride in a booster seat.

Infants must ride rear-facing until they are at least one year old and weigh 20 pounds or more. Rear-facing, the infant should be semi-upright at an angle or no more than 45 degrees. A forward-facing older child should ride sitting upright.

Violation of the child restraint law carries a fine of $60 and 3 points on the driving record.