Are you in the middle of planning out your trip to Disney World next year?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

While Disney goes to great lengths to keep wildlife away from guests, alligators have been spotted near waterways on property before.

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.

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.

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.

Keep it right here at DFB for more Disney World planning tips and all the latest news from Disney!

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Did you already know about these laws? Let us know in the comments!