How Orlando Handles Public Conduct: A Practical Guide

Orlando maintains 147 local ordinances across all categories, and 5 of those deal specifically with public conduct. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Orlando falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Public Urination

Orlando makes it a criminal offense to urinate or defecate anywhere in public other than a place specifically set aside and designated for that purpose, under City Code § 43.60. The ordinance carries no exceptions for medical need or lack of restroom access: any public urination or defecation outside a designated facility violates the code and can draw a citation from Orlando Police.

Key details: Governing section: City Code § 43.60. Rule: Urinating/defecating banned outside designated facilities. Exceptions: None written into the section. Related rule: §43.64 bars sleeping/bathing in City restrooms. Penalty: Up to $500 fine / 60 days jail (§1.08).

A § 43.60 violation is prosecuted under the City Code's general penalty, § 1.08(3): a fine of up to $500, up to 60 days in jail, or both, with no separate civil-citation track written into this section. Officers issue the citation directly for using an undesignated public space instead of an available restroom or facility.

This is one of the stricter rules in Orlando's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Loitering Rules

Orlando prohibits loitering or prowling 'in a place, at a time, or in a manner not usual for law-abiding individuals' when the circumstances create reasonable alarm for the safety of people or property, under City Code § 43.62. Before making an arrest, a police officer must first give the person a chance to identify themselves and explain their presence unless flight makes that impractical.

Key details: Governing section: City Code § 43.62. Standard: Circumstances creating reasonable alarm for safety. Officer duty: Must let person explain before arrest. Factors considered: Flight, refusing ID, concealment of person/object. Penalty: Up to $500 fine / 60 days jail (§1.08).

Section 43.62(5) states directly that 'a violation of this section shall be punishable as provided in Section 1.08 of this Code': up to a $500 fine, up to 60 days in jail, or both. Because the statute requires the officer to first offer a chance to explain, a conviction can be defeated at trial by showing that step was skipped or that the explanation given would have dispelled the concern.

Skateboarding Rules

Orlando bans skateboarding on public property citywide except for point-to-point transportation on streets posted 25 mph or under, and on private property without the owner's consent, under City Code § 43.73. Skateboarders under 16 must wear a certified helmet, and tricks, jumps, or grinding are never covered by the transportation exception even where skateboarding is otherwise allowed.

Key details: Governing section: City Code § 43.73. Default rule: Skateboarding banned on public property citywide. Transportation exception: Streets posted 25 mph or less only. Private property: Owner/tenant consent required. Helmet rule: Required under 16, ASTM F1492-15 standard.

City Code § 43.73 carries no stand-alone fine schedule, so a violation, skateboarding on prohibited public property, on private property without consent, or riding under 16 without a compliant helmet, is enforced under the City Code's general penalty framework, up to a $500 fine or 60 days in jail per § 1.08(3), typically issued as a citation rather than an arrest.

This is one of the stricter rules in Orlando's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Public Alcohol Use

Orlando bans selling, consuming, or possessing alcohol in an open or unsealed container on any public property citywide, including parks, sidewalks, streets, and parking lots, unless a specific exemption applies. Chapter 33 carves out narrow exceptions for permitted sidewalk cafés, city-authorized events, and named venues like the Amway Center.

Key details: Core prohibition: Open/unsealed alcohol on any public property. Enforcing agency: Orlando Police Department. Max general penalty: $500 fine and/or 60 days jail. Sidewalk café exemption: Permit issued under § 54.28. Named exempt venues: Amway Center, Citrus Bowl, Tinker Field.

Chapter 33 does not set its own fine schedule for open-container violations, so enforcement runs through the Code's general penalty in § 1.08: a person found guilty may be fined up to $500, jailed up to 60 days, or both, and each continuing day of violation counts as a separate offense. Orlando Police can enforce through citation, summons, or arrest, and violations may also trigger public-nuisance abatement under § 1.08(8).

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Orlando actively enforces its public alcohol use requirements.

Public Marijuana Use

Florida has not legalized recreational marijuana. Public consumption remains a state criminal offense even for medical-cannabis cardholders, who must use only in private. Orlando OPD enforces possession and public-use violations citywide.

Key details: Recreational status: Illegal in Florida. Medical law: FL §381.986. Public use: Always illegal. Amendment 3 (2024): Failed.

Public marijuana consumption, possession without a medical card, or driving under the influence triggers misdemeanor or felony charges, fines, license suspension, and potential jail time.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Orlando actively enforces its public marijuana use requirements.

The Bottom Line

Orlando is tougher than many cities when it comes to public conduct. Out of the 5 rules covered here, 4 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Orlando, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

Keep in mind that Orlando can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.