Can You Ride in the Back of a Pickup Truck in Florida? What the Law Says

Jason Galdo
Nov 13
3 min read

Seeing someone ride in the back of a pickup truck might feel like a normal sight in Florida, especially in rural areas or near the beaches. But many people aren’t sure whether it’s actually legal. The answer is: sometimes yes, sometimes no — it depends on age, road type, and safety requirements.

Understanding the rules is important, because violations can lead to tickets, fines, and serious risk of injury.

Adults Can Ride in the Back of a Pickup Truck in Many Situations

For adults 18 years and older, Florida law generally allows riding in the open bed of a pickup truck.

The state does not prohibit adults from sitting or riding in the cargo area on regular roads. That said, the law does expect drivers to operate safely and avoid allowing passengers to ride in ways that create obvious danger.

Just because it’s legal doesn’t mean it’s safe. Pickup beds have no seatbelts, no restraints, and no protection in a crash. Even a sudden stop can cause someone to be thrown from the vehicle.

Stricter Rules Apply to Minors Under 18

If someone under 18 is riding in the back of a pickup truck, the law becomes much stricter.

Florida does not allow minors to ride in the open bed of a pickup truck on limited-access highways, such as interstates, expressways, or major high-speed roads. The only exception is if the truck has been professionally modified to include secure seating and approved safety restraints.

On local roads, some counties may have additional rules or exemptions, but in general, the safest assumption is that minors should not ride in the back of a pickup unless proper restraints are installed.

Why These Rules Exist

Riding in the open bed of a pickup is extremely dangerous. Unlike regular seats inside the cab, the bed of a truck offers:

No seatbelts
No airbags
No roof or side protection
No structure to keep passengers secure

In the event of a crash, rollover, or even a sharp turn, passengers can be ejected from the vehicle.

Many injuries happen even at low speeds, especially if someone is sitting on the tailgate or on top of the wheel well.Because of these risks, Florida places special restrictions on minors and has rules about riding in unsafe areas of any vehicle.

Common Misconceptions

“It’s fine as long as we’re going slow.”Even slow speeds can be dangerous. A sudden brake or quick turn is enough to throw someone out.

“It’s legal everywhere in Florida.”Not true. Highways and limited-access roads have strict rules, especially for minors.

“Local roads are always allowed.”Some counties have their own restrictions. Laws can vary by location.

Practical Safety Tips

If someone must ride in the back of a pickup truck — even legally — safety should always be the priority:

Never ride standing up.
Sit on the floor of the truck bed, not on the sides or tailgate.
Avoid highways or faster roads entirely.
Do not allow children to ride without proper restraints.
Use extreme caution in wet or slippery conditions.

Better yet, whenever possible, choose a seat inside the cab instead.

The Bottom Line

Can you ride in the back of a pickup truck in Florida?Yes — but with important limitations.

Adults (18+) can generally ride in the bed on local roads.
Minors face strict restrictions and cannot ride in the back on highways unless proper safety restraints are installed.
Safety risks are high, even when the activity is legal.