§ 20-33. Inline skating and skateboards.

(a) Definition. Skateboard means a board or skate or other non-motored device attached to wheels for the purpose of carrying or propelling a person. This definition shall not include wheelchairs or similar devices designed for use by disabled persons.

(b) Prohibition. The riding and operation of inline skates and skateboards in the city shall be subject to the Florida Uniform Traffic Control Law, [F.S.] Chapter 316, and the provisions of this section. While engaged in skating or skateboarding, irrespective of where such activities occur, a participant is responsible for doing all of the following:

(1) Acting within the limits of his or her ability and the purpose and design of the equipment used.

(2) Maintaining control of his or her person and the equipment used.

(3) Refraining from acting in any manner which may cause or contribute to death or injury of himself or herself, or other persons.

(c) Skating or skateboarding on sidewalks.

(1) Inline skates or skateboards shall not be operated upon any sidewalk located in a business district.

(2) Inline skates and skateboards may be operated on sidewalks in public parks and in residential districts.

(3) Inline skates and skateboards shall not be operated side-by-side on sidewalks.

(4) Under all circumstances, the skater or skateboarder shall yield the right-of-way to pedestrians using the sidewalk.

(5) Due and proper care shall at all times be exercised by the skater or skateboarder when approaching or passing pedestrians on the sidewalk.

(d) Skating or skateboarding on trails.

(1) Inline skates and skateboards may be operated on the public trails.

(2) All regulations pertaining to the operation of inline skates and skateboards on sidewalks shall apply to operation of bicycles on trails.

(e) Penalties. A violation of the regulations contained in this section shall be subject to a fine in the amount of fifteen dollars ($15.00) if paid within ten (10) days from the date a notice of the violation is was issued by a law enforcement officer. The violation shall be subject to a fine of thirty dollars ($30.00) if paid more than ten (10) days after the time when such notice was issued, but not later than thirty (30) days following the issuance of the notice. If the owner, operator, or person chooses to contest the notice of violation, the owner, operator, or person must contact the clerk of the county court within the thirty-day period and request a court hearing. If the owner, operator, or person fails to pay the fine or contact the clerk within the thirty-day period, the police department is hereby authorized to deliver the violation to the clerk of the county court for formal prosecution. The notice shall contain directions as to the procedure for paying the fine or obtaining a hearing.

(f) Waiver of fine. Any fine that may be assessed in the enforcement of the provisions of this section may be waived for extraordinary or extenuating circumstances as determined by the chief of police or his or her designee. A copy of the notice of violation and a written explanation of the reason for the waiver shall be filed with the official records of the city clerk within twenty-four (24) hours after granting the waiver.

(Ord. No. 2005-21, § 1, 6-21-05)