FLAGLER COUNTY, Fla. – Florida cities and counties can continue to operate under their own e-bike and e-scooter rules after Gov. Ron DeSantis vetoed a bill that would have created a uniform statewide system — leaving parents and advocates questioning what comes next.
The vetoed legislation would have capped e-bike speeds at 10 mph within 50 feet of pedestrians and required riders on shared paths to yield and signal before passing. In his veto letter, DeSantis said the rule would be difficult to measure, could lead to increased surveillance, and that a newly created micromobility task force lacked a clear end date.
With no statewide framework coming, local governments will simply stick to the rules they already have in place — meaning regulations can vary significantly from one city or county to the next.
Flagler County is one example of a community that has already been handling things on its own. The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office has ramped up enforcement of e-bikes and e-scooters, particularly in Palm Coast, where new local rules recently took effect.
“We were seeing an increase in accidents, no helmets, traffic law violations, not clearing crosswalks, not yielding to pedestrians,” said Commander Bernie Woodward.
[WATCH: Palm Coast e-bike riders face possible bans on headphones, speed limits (from 2025)]
Palm Coast established its own regulations late last year. Under those rules, e-bike riders must be at least 11 years old, carry a photo ID, and wear a helmet if they are under 16.
“Prior to that, we had no enforcement mechanisms,” Woodward said.
Woodward said compliance has already been strong since the Palm Coast rules took effect, and the local framework has given his department a clearer path forward.
“It gave our deputies another tool in the toolbox to address these and it’s also about educating the public and the parents need to know and be familiar with these rules when they buy the kids these e-bikes,” Woodward said.
For now, cities and counties across Florida will continue operating under their own distinct sets of rules — with no statewide standard on the horizon.