Does Florida Law Require that a Motor Scooter Be Titled and Registered?

The definition of a motor scooter under Florida law is a bit confusing. From reading the various statutes on point, it appears that a motor scooter qualifies as a motor vehicle and as a motorcycle for purposes of some of the laws and registration requirements. Most motor scooters in the United States have an engine displacement of 50 cubic centimeters or less and other law power specifications. For these motor scooters, Florida law still requires that the motor scooter be titled and registered. As noted in Section 320.02 (1), Florida Statutes, every owner or person in control of a motor vehicle shall register the vehicle in the State of Florida. If a vehicle is not operated on the roads during the registration period, then there may be an exemption to registering the vehicle. The owner of a motor scooter shall apply for proper registration as set forth by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.

For motor scooters as specified above, there is no requirement for any kind of insurance. As such, the registration of these motor scooters in the State of Florida does not require any proof of insurance. This is a bit different than registering a passenger motor vehicle in the State of Florida which requires the purchase of property damage insurance coverage and personal injury protection insurance coverage. The insurance requirements in the State of Florida for motor vehicles with four or more wheels is set forth in Section 324.021, Florida Statutes. By law, Florida does not have very comprehensive insurance requirements to register and operate a motor vehicle in the State of Florida.

As such, when a motor scooter is properly titled and registered in the State of Florida, this does not necessarily mean that the motor scooter operator purchased any insurance coverage for the motor scooter. For motor vehicles (4 or more wheels) in the State of Florida, registration does not necessarily mean that there is current insurance on the vehicle OR that the insurance in place will provide any kind of coverage for an injury victim like a motor scooter rider or operator. It should also be noted that insurance records and policies are not public records.

In the aftermath of a Florida motor scooter accident, it is important that the motor scooter injury victim files claims against any and all insurance policies that afford coverage or benefits to the injury victim. An investigation may require the require of one or more insurance policies. It should be noted that insurance companies are well represented by investigators, adjusters, risk managers, and, yes, attorneys. The motor scooter injury victim should also be represented by an attorney to level the playing field. If you or a family member have been a victim of a Florida motor scooter accident, contact attorney David Wolf who has over 30 years of experience in representing injury victims in motor scooter, motorcycle, and related accidents. David Wolf provides a free consultation on all personal injury cases. Contact David Wolf right now at (904) 500-WOLF or (904) 500-9653 and at dwolf@davidalanwolf.com David Wolf firmly believes in Giving a Voice to Injury Victims and Their Families.