Double Towing In Florida: Can You Double Tow In Florida?
In those cases where you do not own a toy hauler, double towing seems to be the solution. You want to have fun on your vacation and that fun includes using your toys. However, it may not always be legal to double tow.
It seems that you can only tow one trailer behind one tow vehicle in Florida. There may be some confusion over which laws apply as the generic term towing applies to many other situations beyond RV towing. You may have to talk to a lawyer who is an expert in traffic laws to get the best answer.
To learn more about this issue in this state, just continue to read our article. It explores the topic so you have the best information possible before you plan your trip to this great state. Thorough research goes a long way to keep you out of trouble.
Can You Double Tow in Florida?
No, you cannot. Florida requires that all double tow vehicle combinations be registered as commercial vehicles. The lists of states that allow double towing do not include Florida on them.
If you are towing a single trailer, make sure your trailer brakes and lights are working. If you are caught double towing a trooper can make you drop the second trailer in those states & leave it behind.
That is not a good situation to be in. The East Coast states are fairly strict about their towing laws so you cannot assume that what works or is okay in the western states will be okay on the east coast.
You need to decide if your toys are that important to you that you cannot drop them at the state line. Then you need to see about the trailer’s safety when you do drop them by command of the state patrol.
Is Double Towing Legal in Florida?
It is only legal if you are registered as a commercial vehicle and have special permission to double tow. While there are exceptions to the rules, boaters, farmers, and similar occupations, RV towing is not part of the exceptions.
If your trailer weighs over 3000 pounds, then you are required to have trailer brakes. What you also need to watch out for is the Florida towing speed limits. In all towns and cities, you are only allowed to tow at a speed of 30 mph or less depending on the posted speed limit.
On other roads or highways, you can tow at the posted speed limit. While you can tow with your self-drive coach, your length must meet the maximum length Florida law allows. Then if your vehicle combination weighs 26,000 pounds or less, you do not need a commercial driver’s license.
If the combination is above 26,000 pounds (26,001+) then you will need to get a commercial driver’s license.
Double Towing Laws in Florida
Here are the towing laws for this state:
1. Florida statutes require that non commercial vehicle combinations consist of no more than two units and such combinations may not exceed a total length of 65 feet. F.S. 316.515(3)
Drivers of recreational vehicles are exempt from the requirement to obtain a commercial driver's license. F.S. 322.53(2) (d)
Florida statutes are available at: http://www.leg.state.fl.us
65' maximum length
Florida statute limits the overall length of a 'motor home' to 45 feet exclusive of bumpers and safety devices. F.S. 316.515 (15)
Florida statute limits the length of a 'private motor coach' to 50 feet, exclusive of safety devices. 316.515 (9) In combination, the vehicles' overall length cannot exceed 65 feet and only one trailer can be towed. 316.515(3)
Florida statute limits the length of a 'travel trailer' to no more than 40 feet. 320.01 (1)(b)1
Florida statutes allow only one trailer to be towed. 316.515(3)
2. Reflective signs
Your trailer or Class A, B, or C RV needs to have reflective signs on its body to make it more visible. These reflectors will be on each corner and attached to any exterior bike rack or cargo carrier.
3. Brake and headlights
You must connect your trailer to your vehicle's electrical system. Use a trailer wire plug to connect the trailer's lights to your vehicle's electrical system. Confirm the trailer brake lights work when you press the brake when driving.
The trailer's weight on the back of your truck or SUV can tilt the front of the vehicle. Make sure you adjust your front headlights, so they are not at eye level for oncoming traffic.
4. Turn signals
When you connect the trailer to your vehicle's electric system, you will have working turn signals on the trailer. Confirm these are working when you switch on the turn signal. Test this before driving in traffic.
5. Breakaway Switch Lanyard
The breakaway switch lanyard will trigger your trailer's brakes if the tow ball breaks and your trailer is only connected by the safety chains. This safety feature will protect your trailer from excessive damage.
It is best to double-check all laws quoted in any internet article. Laws do change over time and it is best to go to the horse’s mouth to get the most up-to-date information possible.
Some people have entered the state only to be stopped by Highway Patrol. Their results depended on the mood and attitude of the patrolman. It is best not to violate any state laws when you are on vacation.
Some Additional Words
While neighboring states may allow for double or triple towing, do not assume it is okay to enter Florida with two trailers behind your tow vehicle. The state patrol can and will make you drop one and leave it there.
It is best to err on the side of caution do some research on this topic and make careful consideration of your travel plans. If you do not need your toys, then leave them behind at friends’ or relatives’ homes till you return from visiting the state.
Just do not take foolish chances.
