Legal Street Buggy Rules in Florida

Florida law defines motor vehicles in part as any vehicle that transports people and is "propelled by power other than muscular power." Specific exemptions to the law are allowed for vehicles that run on a track, bicycles and mopeds. Because dune buggies are not exempted, they must be street legal to be driven on public roads.

To be street legal, a dune buggy must have traditional safety lights, such as headlights, rear lights, brake lights and turn signals.

All vehicles must have properly functioning brakes, exhaust systems, horns, safety belts, mirrors and a windshield with wipers.

Dune buggies that are driven on public roads must be licensed and registered like traditional vehicles. But if they are strictly recreational vehicles, the license plate fee is $27 a year for those under 4,500 pounds and $47.50 if over 4,500 pounds.