Florida Raises Car Seat Requirement Age

Parents in Florida will have to use a car seat for children up to 5 years old under a new law approved by Gov. Rick Scott.

Scott signed a bill (HB 225) that increases Florida’s car seat requirement from 4 years old to 5 years old. Starting in January, parents will no longer be allowed to use seat belts for children under 5.

The new law allows parents to use booster seats to meet the requirements.

Past efforts to raise the age requirement for car seats have gone nowhere in the Legislature. Former Gov. Jeb Bush in 2001 vetoed a bill to increase the age.

There are exceptions to the new law, including if a child is being transported by someone who is not a member of the immediate family.