The Florida Senate
BILL ANALYSIS AND FISCAL IMPACT STATEMENT
(This document is based on the provisions contained in the legislation as of the latest date listed below.)
Prepared By: The Professional Staff of the Committee on Agriculture
BILL: SB 474
INTRODUCER: Senator Perry
SUBJECT: Recreational Off-highway Vehicles
DATE: December 1, 2021
ANALYST STAFF DIRECTOR REFERENCE ACTION
1. Becker Becker AG Pre-meeting
2. TR
3. RC
I. Summary:
SB increases the dry weight allowed for recreational off-highway vehicles from 2,500 pounds to
3,500 pounds.
The bill takes effect July 1, 2022.
II. Present Situation:
The 2002 Legislature found that off-highway vehicles were becoming increasingly popular in
this state and that the use of these vehicles should be controlled and managed to minimize
negative effects on the environment, wildlife habitats, native wildlife, and native flora and
fauna.
1
The T. Mark Schmidt Off-Highway Vehicle Safety and Recreation Act
2
was passed to
develop an Off-Highway Vehicle recreational system. The program provides a set of guidelines
to follow for developing and maintaining state lands, as well as provides restrictions on vehicles
allowed on authorized state lands.
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles is responsible for the issuing,
handling, and recording of all off-highway vehicle titling applications and certificates, including
the receipt and accounting of related fees.
3
The definition of recreational off-highway vehicles (ROV) is distinguished by width, weight, and
the number of non-highway wheels.
4
Current law provides that an ROV must:
Be 80 inches or less in width;
Have a dry weight of 2,500 pounds or less;
1
Section 261.02(1), F.S.
2
Section 261.01, F.S.
3
Section 317.0004(1), F.S.
4
Section 261.03(8), F.S., and Section 317.003(9), F.S.
REVISED: BILL: SB 474 Page 2
Be designed to travel on four or more nonhighway tires; and
Be manufactured for recreational use by one or more persons.
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III. Effect of Proposed Changes:
SB 474 increases the dry weight allowed for recreational off-highway vehicles from 2,500
pounds to 3,500 pounds.
The bill takes effect July 1, 2022.
IV. Constitutional Issues:
A. Municipality/County Mandates Restrictions:
None.
B. Public Records/Open Meetings Issues:
None.
C. Trust Funds Restrictions:
None.
D. State Tax or Fee Increases:
None.
E. Other Constitutional Issues:
None.
V. Fiscal Impact Statement:
A. Tax/Fee Issues:
None.
B. Private Sector Impact:
Additional ROVs could be eligible to be titled in Florida should this bill pass.
C. Government Sector Impact:
If additional ROVs are titled in Florida due to the passage of this bill, the Department of
Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles could see additional revenue.
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Id. BILL: SB 474 Page 3
VI. Technical Deficiencies:
None.
VII. Related Issues:
None.
VIII. Statutes Affected:
This bill amends sections 261.03 and 317.0003 of the Florida Statutes.
IX. Additional Information:
A. Committee Substitute – Statement of Changes:
(Summarizing differences between the Committee Substitute and the prior version of the bill.)
None.
B. Amendments:
None.
This Senate Bill Analysis does not reflect the intent or official position of the bill’s introducer or the Florida Senate.