November 18, 2025 | Car Accidents
Every parent in Port St. Lucie wants to keep their child safe while driving, but it can be confusing to know when kids are allowed to sit in the front seat. Florida has specific rules about car seats, seat belts, and age requirements that determine when it’s safe and legal for children to ride up front. Understanding these laws can help families avoid fines and reduce the risk of serious injuries in a crash.
Florida’s Child Passenger Safety Laws
Under Florida law, all drivers must ensure that children are properly restrained while riding in a vehicle.
The rules depend on the child’s age and size:
- Children under 5 years old must be secured in a federally approved child restraint device.
- Children ages 0–3 must use a separate car seat or a built-in child seat.
- Children ages 4–5 must use a booster seat, an integrated child seat, or another federally approved safety restraint system.
Florida law doesn’t state an exact age when a child can legally sit in the front seat, but most safety experts and organizations, including the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), recommend that children remain in the back seat until at least age 13.
Why Is the Back Seat Safer for Children?
The back seat provides better protection in most types of crashes. Front-seat airbags deploy with significant force and can seriously injure smaller passengers, even in relatively minor collisions.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), children sitting in the front seat are more likely to suffer head, neck, or chest injuries during airbag deployment. The safest place for a child is in the back seat, secured with the proper car seat or booster for their age, height, and weight.
Seat Belt and Car Seat Requirements in Florida
Parents should always check that the car seat or booster is installed correctly and used according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
The key requirements are:
- Rear-facing seats: For infants and toddlers until they reach the maximum height or weight allowed by the car seat manufacturer.
- Forward-facing seats: For children who have outgrown rear-facing seats, typically between ages 2 and 4.
- Booster seats: For children who are too large for forward-facing seats but still too small for standard seat belts, usually until 4’9” tall.
- Seat belts: For older children who can sit with their back against the seat and knees bent comfortably at the edge of the seat.
Proper restraint use drastically reduces the risk of injury in crashes. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that correct car seat use lowers the risk of fatal injury by 71% for infants and 54% for toddlers.
When a Child Can Sit in the Front Seat
While Florida does not specify a minimum legal age for sitting in the front, most experts recommend waiting until a child is at least 13 years old. At that age, most children are large enough for the seat belt and airbag system to work as intended.
If an older child must ride in the front seat:
- Move the seat as far back as possible.
- Ensure the child wears a properly fitted seat belt across the shoulder and lap.
- Never allow a rear-facing car seat in the front seat with an active airbag.
Following these precautions minimizes the risk of injury if an accident occurs.
Penalties for Violating Florida’s Car Seat Laws
Violating Florida’s child restraint laws can result in:
- A $60 fine
- Three points on the driver’s license
- Mandatory completion of a child restraint safety course
More importantly, improper restraint use can increase the risk of severe injuries and affect liability in a personal injury claim. Under Florida’s modified comparative negligence rule, a parent or driver found partially at fault for a child’s injuries, such as by allowing an underage child in the front seat, may have their recovery reduced.
What To Do After a Car Accident Involving a Child
If a child is injured in a car accident in Port St. Lucie, seek medical attention immediately, even if the injuries seem minor.
After that:
- Report the accident to local law enforcement.
- Document injuries and medical care through photos and records.
- Preserve the car seat or restraint for potential inspection.
- Contact an attorney to help determine liability and handle insurance negotiations.
Under Florida’s statute of limitations, you generally have two years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit.
Contact the Port St. Lucie Car Accident Lawyers at Graves Thomas Injury Law Group for Help Today
In Florida, children can technically ride in the front seat at any age, but experts strongly recommend waiting until at least 13. The back seat remains the safest option for younger passengers, particularly those in booster seats or smaller restraint systems. Following Florida’s safety laws and national recommendations helps protect children from serious injuries and ensures compliance with state regulations.
If you’re child has been injured in a car accident, Graves Thomas Injury Law Group is here to help. Please contact our experienced Port St. Lucie car accident attorneys at Graves Thomas Injury Law Group to schedule a free consultation today. We have three convenient locations in Florida, including Vero Beach, St. Petersburg, and Port St. Lucie.
Graves Thomas Injury Law Group – Vero Beach
2651 20th St
Vero Beach, FL 32960
(772) 758-5735
Graves Thomas Injury Law Group – Port St. Lucie
10805 SW Tradition Square Unit 024A
Port St. Lucie, FL 34987
(772) 617-8814
Graves Thomas Injury Law Group – St. Petersburg
200 Central Ave Suite 304
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
(772) 569-8155
