TITUSVILLE, Fla. – City leaders in Titusville are discussing a juvenile curfew proposal that could impose fines on teenagers and their parents if the ordinance is violated.
Council members in February directed staff to research the ability to implement a curfew, which, according to state law, is a decision that is in the hands of local municipalities.
The city is considering a curfew as a preventative measure against criminal activity, although officials said there has not been a recent spike in teen crime.
If passed, state lawmakers recommend that children under the age of 16 not be allowed in public places from 11 p.m. until 5 a.m. Sunday through Thursday. The recommended curfew is between 12:01 a.m. and 6 a.m. Friday and Saturday.
If a child is found in violation of the curfew, the state recommends a warning for the first offense and a $50 fine for all others. The fines could be issued to parents if they knowingly allow a child to break curfew.
The Legislature also outlined exceptions to the curfew, including travel to and from work or school functions and in certain cases of emergency.
The city council will discuss the proposed ordinance at a meeting scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at Titusville City Hall.