Car Seat laws for Florida?

[tzuhouse]

We are traveling in December. We will be renting a car for 2 days out of the 10 and I'm wondering what the laws are for car seats. I hate to haul them for just 2 days of use. My boys will be 6 and 4. Does anyone know the laws for the car seats, booster seats, etc.?

Thanks for info and I'll keep searching the internet for the information.

Mary

 

[welovedis]

Here's a link to FL DOT Child restraint FAQ page.
http://www.dot.state.fl.us/safety/HighwaySafetyGrantProgram/hsgp/HSGPAreas_OccupantFAQ.htm


Just my .02-I'd bring the seats they are used to using at home. GL with your trip planning!

 

[jeast]

I'm not sure of the exact laws, so don't base your actions solely on my say-so, but I know that my 41/2 yr old 45lb boy does not legally have to be in a carseat. He is anyway but doesn't have to be. I'm not sure what the basis is.

anyone else know for sure?

 

[beattyfamily]

Here's the FL law:

All children 5 years of age or younger must be properly restrained no matter where they are sitting in the vehicle. Children through age 3 must be secured in a separate carrier or a vehicle manufacturer's integrated child safety seat. For children aged 4 through 5 years, a separate carrier, an integrated child safety seat, or a safety belt may be used. (FL Statute 316.613).

You do what you think is best for your family.

 

[tlbwriter]

The laws of physics will always trump the laws of any state. Your children are too small to be safe in seatbelts alone. The 6 year old will most likely be fine in a backless booster.

 

[tzuhouse]

Thanks. I think I'll just get another booster so they could be packed in the suitcase and not be an entire piece of luggage all by itself. In Texas, Sean still has to be in a car seat.

Thanks
Mary

 

[Donnask8pro]

Safety Belt??? Is that a seat belt?

 

[pic22]

Try Renting the carseats/booster seats from the car rental company, I usually include them on the reservation and ask for them again at pickup, they are usually pretty clean and serve the purpose, quite nicely. It's a couple of dollars a day, well worth it, especially if you are ristricted in the number of luggage pieces by the airline and have to pay more to bring them.

 

[jenr812]

Try asking the rental company if the cars have built in child restraints. Many newer vehicles come equipped with them. HTH

 

[tjmw2727]

Try Renting the carseats/booster seats from the car rental company, I usually include them on the reservation and ask for them again at pickup, they are usually pretty clean and serve the purpose, quite nicely. It's a couple of dollars a day, well worth it, especially if you are ristricted in the number of luggage pieces by the airline and have to pay more to bring them.

In my experience the carseats the rental companies offer have been less than acceptable and they will not even guarantee that one will be available.

That, plus the cost of between $6-$10 per seat per day for the op would be quite a bit of money since she has two in CRS's. The one and only time we rented one with a rental car we used it for about 20 minutes - to get to the local wallmart and purchase an appropriate safe CRS for my dd.

Since CRS's won't count against your luggagage allowance on most (if not all) major airlines you can just just pack them into a carseat bag or duffle and check them through as luggage. This way you know what you have is comfortable and safe for your children.

TJ