Riding a motorcycle in South Florida offers an unparalleled sense of freedom with its year-round sunshine and scenic coastal routes. However, this exhilaration comes with significant risks. Recent incidents underscore the dangers motorcyclists face on our roads. For instance, in March 2025, a motorcyclist tragically lost his life after falling off his bike and being struck by a tractor-trailer on the Palmetto Expressway.
Additionally, a fiery collision between a motorcycle and a car in southwest Miami-Dade resulted in serious injuries, and both vehicles engulfed in flames. These sobering events highlight the critical importance of understanding motorcycle laws in Florida. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or new to the community, being well-versed in your legal rights and responsibilities is not just about compliance—it’s about ensuring your safety and protecting your future in the event of an accident.
Helmet and Protective Gear Requirements
Florida law doesn’t require every rider to wear a helmet, but it’s not that simple. According to Florida Statutes Section 316.211:
- Riders over 21 can ride without a helmet as long as they carry at least $10,000 in medical insurance coverage for injuries from motorcycle accidents.
- Riders under 21 must wear a helmet that meets federal safety standards.
- Eye protection is required for all riders, regardless of age or insurance coverage.
Although wearing a helmet is not required in all cases, it can reduce the risk of traumatic brain injuries and save your life. In many motorcycle accident cases, the lack of a helmet becomes an issue when the other driver’s insurance company tries to reduce or deny your injury claim.
Licensing and Endorsement Rules
You can’t legally ride a motorcycle in Florida with a regular driver’s license. Florida law requires:
- A motorcycle endorsement on your existing Florida driver’s license, or
- A “Motorcycle Only” license if you don’t have a regular driver’s license.
To get either, you must complete the Basic Rider Course (BRC) approved by the Florida Rider Training Program. Once you complete the course, the endorsement is added to your license. Unendorsed riders may face fines and license penalties and may also face difficulty recovering in motorcycle crash cases if found to be violating the licensing laws.
Lane Splitting and Lane Sharing
Motorcycle riders in Florida are not allowed to lane split. As defined in Florida Statutes Section 316.209:
- Lane splitting, or riding between lanes of stopped or slow-moving traffic, is illegal.
- Motorcycles are entitled to a full lane of use.
- Two motorcycles can share a lane, riding side by side, if both riders agree.
Lane splitting is often misunderstood. Even if other states allow it, doing it in Florida will get you a traffic citation and hurt your chances of recovering in a motorcycle accident claim.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Florida
Florida motorcycle accidents are caused by the same types of negligence seen in other motor vehicle accidents:
- Distracted driving (e.g. texting or using GPS)
- Drunk drivers
- Speeding or aggressive driving
- Drivers failing to yield the right of way
- Sudden lane changes without signaling
When a motorcycle accident occurs, the injuries are often severe. Common motorcycle accident injuries include:
- Broken bones
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Neck injuries
- Road rash
Motorcycle accident victims often require extensive medical treatment and ongoing care. Lost wages, rising medical bills, and permanent disability are all common concerns for injured motorcyclists.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Crash in Florida
After a motorcycle collision, do the following to protect your health and your legal rights:
- Seek medical treatment immediately even if injuries seem minor.
- Report the crash to law enforcement and get a copy of the police report.
- Document the scene with photos of the motorcycle, the other vehicles and any visible injuries.
- Exchange information with the other parties involved including their insurance coverage.
- Avoid giving recorded statements to the other driver’s insurance company.
- Consult a Florida motorcycle accident lawyer to evaluate your case and discuss your options.
Motorcycle accidents are common due to the high traffic volume in South Florida. Whether you were hit on a busy highway or on one of the many scenic Florida roads, having a lawyer can make a difference when seeking fair compensation.
Compensation Available After a Motorcycle Crash
Motorcycle accidents result in more severe injuries than other motor vehicle accidents. Depending on your case, a Florida motorcycle accident attorney may help you recover:
- Medical care and future medical expenses
- Lost income and lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Property damage
If a loved one died in a fatal motorcycle accident, your family can file a wrongful death claim on their behalf.
Florida’s Comparative Fault Law
Florida is a modified comparative fault state. If you’re found partially at fault for the motorcycle crash, your damages will be reduced by your percentage of fault. However, as of March 2023, Florida law completely bars recovery if you’re more than 50% at fault.
This is why it’s so important to have a firm that handles motorcycle accident cases and knows how to fight back when insurance companies try to shift the blame to the injured party.
Practical Safety Tips for Motorcycle Riders in Florida
Even when you follow Florida motorcycle laws, other drivers may not. These tips can help reduce your risk of serious injuries in the event of a crash:
- Wear a DOT-approved helmet – Florida law may not require it for all riders over 21, but it remains your best defense against traumatic brain injuries.
- Use other protective gear – Gloves, boots, and padded jackets help prevent road rash, broken bones, and other common motorcycle accident injuries.
- Stay visible – Wear bright clothing and use reflective tape. Avoid lingering in drivers’ blind spots, especially near larger vehicles.
- Avoid lane splitting – It’s illegal in Florida and puts you in danger of being hit by inattentive drivers changing lanes.
- Ride defensively – Distracted driving is a major cause of motor vehicle accidents. Always anticipate the unexpected and maintain a safe following distance.
- Keep your bike maintained – Regularly check brakes, lights, and tire pressure to avoid preventable motorcycle crashes.
While these steps can’t eliminate all risks, they give you the best chance of staying safe on Florida roads—and strengthen your position if you need to pursue a motorcycle accident claim.
Don’t Let a Motorcycle Crash Derail Your Life
Florida motorcycle accidents can leave you with serious injuries, big medical bills and an uphill battle with the other driver’s insurance company. Whether you have road rash, broken bones or a traumatic brain injury, you shouldn’t be wondering if your settlement is fair. If your claim is delayed, undervalued, or denied, it’s time to take control.
At Cohen and Juda, we represent injured motorcyclists in Plantation and South Florida. Attorneys Harvey Cohen and Gary Juda have over 25 years of experience holding insurance companies accountable in motorcycle crash cases. We’ll handle the legal side so you can focus on your recovery.
Florida has a statute of limitations on filing a motorcycle accident claim. The sooner you act the better positioned you’ll be regarding your claim. Your search for a “Florida motorcycle injury lawyer” or “PI lawyers” brought you here—now take the next step. Call Cohen and Juda at (954) 424-1440 for your FREE consultation or submit a confidential online form to get started.
You won’t pay attorney fees or costs unless we recover for you. Let’s talk about what happened and how to move forward.
Copyright © 2025. Cohen and Juda, P.A. All rights reserved.
The information in this blog post (post) is provided for general informational purposes only and may not reflect the current law in your jurisdiction. No information in this post should be construed as legal advice from the individual author or the law firm, nor is it intended to be a substitute for legal counsel on any subject matter. No reader of this post should act or refrain from acting based on any information included in or accessible through this post without seeking the appropriate legal or other professional advice on the particular facts and circumstances at issue from a lawyer licensed in the recipient’s state, country, or other appropriate licensing jurisdiction.
Cohen and Juda, P.A.
8211 W Broward Blvd, Suite 310
Plantation, FL 33324
(954) 424-1440
https://www.cohenandjudaflorida.com/
