06/18/2026
The Florida Legislature has officially passed and sent Senate Bill 382 (SB 382) to Governor Ron DeSantis, creating a strict 10 mph speed limit for electric bicycles when operating within 50 feet of a pedestrian.The legislation represents a major statewide push to address a dramatic rise in severe e-bike accidents and pedestrian safety complaints, moving away from a previously unregulated "wild west" system.Core Requirements of SB 382According to the final text detailed by WKMG ClickOrlando and Electrek, the new rules establish clear guidelines for shared-use spaces:Conditional Speed Cap: Riders must drop their speed to 10 mph or less on sidewalks, trails, and public paths if a pedestrian is within 50 feet.Pedestrian Right-of-Way: E-bike operators are legally required to yield to people on foot.Audible Warnings: Riders must give an audible signal (using a bell or their voice) when overtaking and passing a pedestrian.Fines for Violations: Disobeying the new proximity speed cap is classified as a nonmoving traffic violation, carrying a $30 fine.Other Major Provisions in the BillAccident Tracking: Law enforcement agencies across the state must uniformly track and record all traffic crashes specifically involving e-bikes and other micromobility devices.Safety Task Force: The bill establishes a state Micromobility Device Safety Task Force tasked with evaluating injury trends and recommending future rules. These future rules could include licensing, registration, or minimum age requirements.Local Controls: Municipalities retain the right to pass local ordinances completely banning e-bikes from specific high-traffic sidewalks or requiring photo IDs to operate them.What Was RemovedEarlier drafts of the legislation proposed a mandatory driver's license or learner's permit for high-speed Class 3 e-bikes (which reach up to 28 mph), effectively placing a minimum age restriction of 15–16 on riders. However, as reported by WKMG News 6, the mandatory licensing provision was officially scrapped from the final version sent to the governor.Next Steps and Effective DateThe bill passed with unanimous, bipartisan support in both the Florida House and Senate. It is currently on Governor DeSantis' desk awaiting his signature. If signed, or if allowed to become law without his signature, the new regulations are scheduled to officially take effect on July 1, 2026.
