The actual act of hitchhiking, soliciting drivers for rides from the side of the road, is not outright banned at the state level anywhere in the United States. There are, however, local governments that have prohibited hitchhikers in their jurisdictions, citing safety concerns. Local restrictions are typically indicated by regulation signs posted on the sides of the roads. Hitchhiking in areas where it is prohibited could result in a citation or arrest depending on the particular local law. The state of Florida, like all U.S. states, has no outright ban on hitchhiking but does have a few areas where it is illegal, such as Monroe County.
In areas of Florida where hitchhiking is banned, the law prohibits any act by persons on the side of a motorway indicating to drivers that they desire transportation through any "overt act." An "overt act" is defined as waving or gesturing with hands and arms or using a sign large enough to be seen from the road. Outside of the few areas where such laws are in place, hitchhikers can use any means of flagging down drivers as long as they do not enter the roadway, or sections of the road paved for the explicit purpose of motor traffic. Hitchhikers must always stay on the sidewalk, if one is available, or the shoulder. If hitchhikers are walking down the road they must stay on the left side facing traffic (the right side as drivers would see it).
Everywhere in the state of Florida hitchhikers are prohibited along any motorways where pedestrians are prohibited, such as along interstates and freeways and on ramps. This restriction extends to "limited access facilities" as well. "Limited access facilities" are legally defined in Florida as streets or highways designed for through traffic, but to which the owners of surrounding land have limited or no rights. This definition includes freeways, but it can be used for parkways as well. "Limited access facilities" are commonly identifiable by their restrictions on commercial traffic.
Even though not outright illegal everywhere in Florida, hitchhiking can still be a dangerous undertaking for the unwary. The hitchhiker is entering the vehicle of a stranger which could put him in a dangerous situation. Using gut instinct, making eye contact and asking where the driver is going before entering the car are all useful ways for the hitchhiker to avoid getting into bad situations. Staying calm and avoiding contact with suspicious individuals goes a long way to keeping yourself safe while hitchhiking.
