Keeping your child safe while riding in the car means following Florida’s child car seat and booster seat laws. These laws are based on a child’s age, height, and weight. They help reduce the risk of serious injury in a crash. Understanding the law can help you make better choices for your child’s safety.

An Overview of Florida’s Child Car Seat Laws

Florida law requires that children under the age of 6 ride in a car seat or booster seat. These must be crash-tested and federally approved.

Here’s how it breaks down:

• Children under 3 must be in a separate car seat or a built-in car seat.

• Children ages 4 and 5 must be in a car seat, booster seat, or built-in child seat.

• From age 6 and up, children can use a seat belt if it fits properly.

Florida Statute §316.613 outlines these laws. While this is the legal minimum, many safety experts recommend using car and booster seats for longer.

Why Car Seat Laws Matter

Car accidents are a leading cause of injury for young children. Using the right car seat or booster seat can reduce the risk of death or injury in a crash.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) says that:

• Car seats reduce the risk of fatal injury by 71% for infants.

• For toddlers aged 1 to 4, the risk is reduced by 54%.

• Car seats save about 325 lives of children under five every year.

The way a seat fits and supports a child during a crash makes a huge difference in keeping them safe.

Rear-Facing Seats

Rear-facing car seats are used for infants and toddlers. This type of seat supports the child’s head, neck, and spine during a crash.

Recommendations:

• Use a rear-facing seat from birth until your child reaches the top height or weight limit for that seat.

• Many children stay in a rear-facing seat until age 2 or longer.

Rear-facing seats are often considered the safest type of seat for young kids.

Forward-Facing Seats

When children outgrow the rear-facing seat, they should move to a forward-facing car seat with a harness.

Tips to remember:

• Use the forward-facing seat until your child reaches the maximum height or weight limit.

• These seats have a harness system that helps hold your child in place during a crash.

Booster Seats

A booster seat raises your child so the seat belt fits correctly over the chest and hips, not the neck or stomach.

Booster seat rules in Florida:

• Children ages 4 to 7 who weigh at least 40 pounds should use a booster seat.

• Children should stay in a booster until they are at least 4 feet 9 inches tall or around age 8.

There are two main types of booster seats:

• High-back boosters: Provide head and neck support; great for vehicles with low seat backs.

• Backless boosters: Work best for older children who no longer need extra head support and are tall enough.

Make sure your child is properly buckled in with both a lap and shoulder belt when using a booster seat.

When Can a Child Stop Using a Booster Seat?

A child can stop using a booster seat when:

• They are at least 4 feet 9 inches tall, or

• They are 8 years old and the seat belt fits correctly.

A good seat belt fit means:

• The shoulder belt sits snugly across the chest and rests on the middle of the shoulder—not the neck.

• The lap belt lays across the upper thighs, not the belly.

If the seat belt does not fit your child the right way, they should stay in a booster seat even if they meet the age requirement.

Choosing the Right Seat for Your Child

Every child is different. The best car or booster seat depends on your child’s size and the type of car you drive. Check the seat’s height and weight limits before choosing.

Always:

• Use a seat that is federally approved.

• Make sure the seat is installed correctly.

• Replace a car seat after a crash or once it expires (usually six years after manufacture).

If you’re unsure which seat is right, the American Academy of Pediatrics and NHTSA offer helpful guides.

Are There Any Exceptions?

Florida law allows a few exceptions. A child restraint is not required when:

• Riding in a school bus, moped, motorcycle, or farm tractor.

• Riding in a truck over 26,000 pounds.

Still, it’s always safer to use a car seat or booster, even if the law says you don’t have to.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right seat and using it the right way can protect your child every time you drive. Florida law sets the minimum, but parents can go further to keep their kids safe.

If you’ve been in a crash or are dealing with a car seat-related injury, it helps to speak with someone who understands the law. Call D2 Law at (800) 790-5641 to talk with a legal team who can help you go through your options and understand your rights.