Drivers and pedestrians should be aware of Florida’s pedestrian laws. This is especially true since Florida is one of the most dangerous states for pedestrians. With busy highways and roads combined with year-round weather that allows visitors and residents alike to spend ample time outside, pedestrians in Florida are at a greater risk for an accident than in most other states.  

It is important to understand that even though Florida drivers are expected to use caution and care to avoid pedestrians, pedestrians are also subject to Florida pedestrian laws.  

Definitions for Florida Pedestrian Laws 

Some important definitions to understand when it comes to Florida pedestrian laws include: 

  • Pedestrian – any person walking on foot, in a wheelchair or on a skateboard or skates.
  • Crosswalk – either the part of a roadway at an intersection which is within the connections of the lateral lines of the sidewalks or any portion of a roadway at an intersection that is distinctly marked by lines or other markings.
  • Sidewalk – the portion between the curb-line or lateral line of a roadway and the adjacent property lines meant for pedestrian use. 

Florida Pedestrian Laws for Streets and Highways  

When it comes to streets and highways, there are specific laws that Florida pedestrians must follow, including:  

  • if there are no sidewalks, pedestrians should not walk along and upon the portion of a roadway that is paved for vehicles;
  • pedestrians walking along or upon a highway where there are no sidewalks should walk on the shoulder of the left side of the roadway, facing traffic;
  • unless crossing in a crosswalk on a street, no pedestrian should use a roadway when on roller skates, a coaster, toy vehicle or any other similar device; and
  • pedestrians should not walk upon a limited access facility, such as an interstate highway or freeway or a ramp that connects a limited access facility to another highway or street. 

Florida Pedestrian Laws for Roadways  

Pedestrians are not allowed to stand in the portion of a roadway that is paved for vehicles. This includes anyone soliciting a ride, employment or any type of business from the occupant of a vehicle.

Pedestrians in Florida are not allowed to stand on or in proximity to a highway or street for the purpose of watching or guarding a vehicle that is parked or that is attempting to park on a highway or street. 

Florida pedestrian laws also outline specific regulations for when pedestrians may cross a road mid-block, rather than at a crosswalk. 

These regulations mandate that: 

  • a pedestrian must yield to all vehicles;  
  • a pedestrian must yield right-of-way to all vehicles when at a point where a tunnel or overhead pedestrian crossing is available; 
  • a pedestrian cannot cross between adjacent signalized intersections; and
  • a pedestrian should cross at a right angle to the edge of the roadway or the shortest route to the opposite side, unless in a marked crosswalk. 

In addition, another set of regulations govern what pedestrians and drivers must do when pedestrians use a crosswalk that does not have traffic signals. 

At a marked or unmarked crosswalk at an intersection or a crosswalk that is marked mid-block, regulations mandate that: 

  • drivers must yield right-of-way to pedestrians where a sign indicates;
  • if a pedestrian is on half of the roadway and no traffic control signals are available, the driver must yield, slow down or stop to give right-of-way to the pedestrian;
  • pedestrians may not suddenly leave a curb or other place of safety to walk or run into the path of a vehicle;
  • if a vehicle has stopped at a crosswalk to allow a pedestrian to cross the roadway, a vehicle behind the stopped vehicle cannot pass the stopped vehicle; and
  • pedestrians cannot cross an intersection diagonally except if there is a crossing authorized by traffic control devices. 

Florida laws also outline what drivers and pedestrians must do at pedestrian crossings that do have traffic signals. 

These laws are dependent on whether a light is red, green or yellow: 

  • Red – pedestrian facing a steady red signal should not enter the roadway.
  • Green – pedestrian facing a steady green signal may proceed across the roadway, unless the sole green signal is an arrow signal.
  • Yellow – pedestrian facing a steady yellow signal should not start to cross the roadway.  

If you or someone you love has been involved in a Florida pedestrian accident, contact a Palm Beach injury attorney who can help determine liability and explain your legal options for filing a personal injury claim. 

Contacting a Palm Beach Injury Attorney 

The chances are good that you have never needed the services of a personal injury attorney until now. While you are in the midst of this exhausting personal challenge, you’ll be forced to make some very important decisions, not the least of which is hiring a Florida injury attorney. 

At times like these, don’t leave your decision up to something as risky as chance. Palm Beach injury attorney Theodore Babbitt will personally review your case at no cost and tell you if you have a valid claim. He will then use his resources, including his membership in numerous esteemed legal groups, to find the right Florida injury attorney to handle your case. Fill out our online form or call to get started – 1-877-751-8087.