If you’re planning a trip to Disney World in 2024, you’ve probably already begun your research.

You’ve probably started looking at dates, travel arrangements, and costs. But there are a few things you might not have thought of before heading to the state of Florida. While Disney has many of their own rules and policies that you’ll need to follow on your trip (like no running in the parks), Florida has many rules that will apply to you, even as out-of-state guests. So to ensure you stay out of trouble on your vacation, here are 5 Florida laws that you’ll need to obey.

You might not normally think of these laws if they’re not relevant where you’re from. But in Florida, these are important to know!

It’s Illegal to “Affect the Peace and Quiet”

We’re all just trying to have a magical time in Disney World. That means you’ll need to behave in a manner that allows others to enjoy their time.

According to Florida Statute 877.03, it is a misdemeanor to “commit such acts as are of a nature to corrupt the public morals, or outrage the sense of public decency, or affect the peace and quiet of persons who may witness them, or engage in brawling or fighting, or engage in such conduct as to constitute a breach of the peace or disorderly conduct.”

This law seems to cover A LOT of different possible scenarios. Basically, just have a good time and have common human decency. Be aware that there are lots of other people around you just trying to have fun in the most magical place on Earth. Our biggest tip here– don’t be like the naked guy in Disneyland!

Don’t Feed the Alligators

There aren’t too make places in the United States where we would have to tell you about this law, but in Florida, it’s a real concern. Yes, wild alligators do live in Disney World, and yes, it is possible for you to see them. So if that does happen, make sure you don’t feed them! 

This is a real law, not just a Disney World rule. Florida Statute 372.667 makes “feeding or enticement of alligators or crocodiles unlawful.” The most likely places you may run into these guys are in or near any body of water. So it might just be a good idea to keep your distance from the lakes unless you have a legitimate purpose for going near them.

This law is in place for a very good reason. If alligators are consistently fed by humans, they could stop being scared of humans and instead see humans as a food source. It’s really a good rule of thumb to just not feed wild animals in general. It can harm their ability to survive in the wild without the support of humans OR you could become their next meal (as such with alligators).

But don’t worry, the captive gators in Animal Kingdom are getting fed regularly as required! But we don’t suggest trying to feed Ginger the crocodile on the Jungle Cruise, either. Remember, Ginger snaps.

Stay Off Your Phone While Driving

Most U.S. states have laws pertaining to phones and driving. In some states, it’s illegal to use your phone at all (talk or text) unless you use a Bluetooth device. Florida’s state laws prohibit the use of your phone for texting while driving.

Florida Statute 316.305 states, “A person may not operate a motor vehicle while manually typing or entering multiple letters, numbers, symbols, or other characters into a wireless communications device or while sending or reading data on such a device for the purpose of non-voice interpersonal communication.” So this prohibits more than just texting; it also includes any form of typing you may do on your phone such as dialing a phone number or even choosing a contact.

It reads in a way that sounds like talking on your phone is fine as long as you didn’t do the dialing while operating the vehicle. So answering a call or dialing the number before driving could technically be legal. It might just be better to be safe than sorry, though. Staying off your phone while driving is safer for everyone!

It’s Illegal to Have an Open Container in Your Vehicle

This law may sound like a no-brainer. But in some states having an open container in your vehicle while operating it is perfectly legal. In Florida, that is NOT the case.

Florida Statute 316.1936 very simply states, “Possession of open containers of alcoholic beverages in vehicles is prohibited” This law covers both the operator and passengers of a vehicle moving or stationary on a road. There are some exceptions to this rule, but in general, if you’re driving your own personal vehicle with a regular driver’s license, you cannot have an open container of alcohol in the vehicle.

And, please, don’t drink and drive.

You Need to Have Your Headlights on in the Rain

It rains all. the. time. in Florida. If you’re planning your trip but have never been to Florida before, you’ll need to be prepared for that. This rule of mother nature applies 12 months out of the year. And if you’re driving to Disney World, you must have your lights on if it’s raining.

Florida law 316.217 states that a vehicle operator is required to use their lights “during any rain, smoke or fog.” Regardless of whether it’s day or night, if it’s raining, smokey, or foggy, you’ll need to turn those headlights on! Not doing so could end with you being fined.

Whether you’re coming to Disney World from a different state or a different country, these five laws are good to know and abide by! “But wait, there’s more!”– Billy Mays. If you’re starting to plan that 2024 vacation, check out these other useful planning posts:

• The ULTIMATE Guide to Planning A Walt Disney World Vacation
• A Month-by-Month Guide to Planning Your Disney World Vacation 
• Should I Use a Travel Agent for My Disney Trip or Disney Cruise?
• Park Hopping at Walt Disney World Resort
• Walt Disney World Theme Park Tickets
• The Best Places to Escape in Disney World When Your Anxiety is Through the Roof

Keep following the Disney Food Blog for more Disney World planning tips!

Were you familiar with any of these laws? Let us know in the comments!