FL law - Do I need a car seat for 7 year old?

[Disneycrazymom]

Our law here in MO just changed and DD 7 (50 lbs) needs a booster seat. Is the law the same in FL? I want to know if I need to request one from the car rental place or the Limo comp. Thank-you!

 

[dudspizza]

Our law here in MO just changed and DD 7 (50 lbs) needs a booster seat. Is the law the same in FL? I want to know if I need to request one from the car rental place or the Limo comp. Thank-you!

no you do not. I will try to find the link and post it here.

Here you go.

4. What is Florida's Child Restraint 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).

So, after age 3, no car seat is needed. You make your own call. We had a big 5 year old and did not use our car seat. It all comes down to personal preference.

Duds

 

[kangaroodle]

Why wouldn't you want one? Just because you're on vacation doesn't mean you are safer! You might just want to bring a booster seat along. You don't even have to pack it in anything. The airline just takes it with the luggage....just make sure your name is on it. They don't even count it as a piece of luggage. In Illinois it's 8 yrs old or 80 pounds for a booster seat! Little kids who use a seat belt without a booster risk injury because the seat belt doesn't fit right. Don't chance it! Protect your precious child.

 

[Disneycrazymom]

Thank-you both.

The truth is she doesn't need one at home either! She is tall for her age and the seat belt fits fine and we had allowed her to give up the seat about a month before the new law. She is no safer in the little booster than in the seat belt but the law says she must so we do it. Maybe less so because the booster isn't bolted down like the big seats are. Sorry - It is just another law that isn't needed for this age child. Trust me when she was little I would NEVER consider her being out of a real car seat. I have taken it on the plane MANY times!