Are you in the middle of planning out your trip to Disney World next year?
Disney World’s Magic Kingdom
While most of your focus is probably on dining reservations, ride strategies, and figuring out how to get from your hotel to Magic Kingdom, it’s worth brushing up on some of Florida’s laws. Trust us, knowing these will save you from headaches (or worse) during your vacation. Here are 7 Florida laws you’ll want to keep in mind when you visit Disney World next year.
Florida’s Open Container Law
Walking around EPCOT with a margarita is perfectly fine (and honestly to be expected), but the second you step outside the park’s gates, however, the rules change.
Italian-inspired Blood Orange Margarita
Florida law (Fla. Stat. § 316.1936) prohibits open containers of alcohol in vehicles or public places unless it’s a licensed area. That means don’t bring your drinks into the parking lot or onto the road.
Lychee Margarita
Using our EPCOT margarita example, make sure you finish it before leaving the property, or you’ll risk breaking this law.
Hands-Free Driving Law
If you’re driving around Orlando, this is a big one. Under Florida law (Fla. Stat. § 316.305), texting while driving is a primary offense, which means you can be pulled over for it. You know, better yet, if you’re at a stoplight, don’t even pick up your phone to check the wait times at Rise of the Resistance.
Make sure you’re not texting and driving
It’s probably the best idea to just use hands-free Bluetooth for navigation while driving. It’s safer and won’t get you a ticket.
Driving with Hazard Lights On
As we all know Florida weather can be unpredictable. All those sudden rainstorms can make driving tricky. But here’s the thing: turning on your hazard lights while driving in Florida is actually illegal. Florida law (Fla. Stat. § 316.2397) says hazard lights are only for stationary vehicles.
Rainy Day at Hollywood Studios
So, if you’re navigating a torrential downpour on I-4, keep your hazards off. Instead, slow down, stay in your lane, and use your regular lights to signal to other drivers.
You Have to Have Your Headlights on in the Rain
Speaking of weather, Florida law (Fla. Stat. § 316.217) requires you to use your headlights whenever it’s raining, foggy, or smoky. Yes, that means even during the day!
Flooding in Disney World due to Helene
So, as we mentioned previously, if Florida’s infamous rainstorms hit while you’re driving back from Disney Springs, turn on your headlights to stay visible (and legal).
Florida’s Move Over Law
This law is all about safety. Under Florida law (Fla. Stat. § 316.126), drivers are required to move over or slow down when approaching emergency vehicles, tow trucks, or utility workers stopped on the side of the road.
©Auto Safety Driving School
So, when you’re driving to Disney World, if you see flashing lights on the shoulder, change lanes if possible. If you can’t, do your best to safely drop your speed to 20 mph below the posted limit.
Florida’s Alligator Laws
Listen, I totally know what you’re thinking: “I’m at Disney World. How does this even apply to me?” Well, Florida’s alligator population is no joke, and state law (Fla. Stat. § 379.412) makes it illegal to feed or harass them.
Alligator at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
While Disney goes to great lengths to keep wildlife away from guests, alligators have been spotted near waterways on property before.
Do not feed the wildlife
If you do happen to see one (maybe while staying at a resort with a lake), keep your distance and definitely don’t try to feed it. Not only is it dangerous, it’s also illegal.
Florida’s Pet Law
If you’re thinking about bringing your emotional support animal along for the trip, unfortunately, not so fast. Florida law (Fla. Stat. § 413.08) only allows service animals, those specifically trained to perform tasks for a person with a disability, in public places like Disney World.
©Fox News
If your pet isn’t a task-trained service animal, they’ll need to stay at home or in a Disney-approved pet care facility. Emotional support animals, no matter how cute, aren’t allowed in the parks.
EPCOT
Whether you’re road-tripping to Orlando or flying in for your Disney vacation, being aware of these laws can save you from a whole lot of unnecessary stress and potential fines. Florida has its quirks, but a little knowledge goes a long way in making sure your trip stays magical from start to finish.
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Disney Just Announced Another Date to Avoid EPCOT in 2025
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Also, transfolk are not allowed to use the public restrooms in :
State, County, and City government offices,
State parks
Service plazas on Florida toll roads.
That last could be a real problem, if you are traveling with trans family members. It’s why my wife and I aren’t going to Florida for the foreseeable future.
Best article I have seen to help folk from other states and country be safe in Fl. AND remind those of us that live here and sloppy in our driving habits what is the right way.
I’d like to comment on the pet law. Even though emotional support animals aren’t allowed in the park, most of them are emotional support. We have talked to Disney regarding this and they acknowledge it but state their hands are tied. People can buy service animal vests and just put them on their emotional support pet. Disney told us they can’t (or won’t) ask for verification. April 2024 we were eating in Space 220 when someone came in with their “service animal”. As they walked by our table, the dog put his nose right into my meal on the plate. Service animals are trained to ignore all distractions. I just wish Disney would abide by the law and only allow service animals in the parks. BTW the manager gave me a new meal.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal law that, among other things, lays out the rules for what counts as a service animal and how businesses are allowed to respond to someone with a service animal. The law severely limits what businesses can ask, and it does not allow them to ask for proof of the animal’s training. There is no official government licensing or certification for service animals, so there’s not one, universal thing that the person could present as proof anyway. It’s safer for Disney to just accept people at their word than to have employees who are not lawyers or disability specialists trying to judge which animals are technically service animals vs which are emotional support animals.