Lakeland, FL Public Conduct: Skateboarding Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Banned locations
- Parking garages, wheelchair ramps, posted properties
- Sign requirement
- Lettering at least 2 inches high
- Pedestrian duty
- Must yield right-of-way to pedestrians
- Max penalty
- $500 fine or 60 days jail, or both
- Parental liability
- Parents liable for minors on posted ramps
Summary
Lakeland Code Sec. 70-11 bans skateboarding in any public parking garage, on any building's wheelchair or pedestrian access ramp, and anywhere posted with a two-inch-lettered 'No Skateboarding' sign. Riders must also yield to pedestrians and can be fined up to $500 or jailed up to 60 days for a violation.
It shall be unlawful for any person to operate or ride a skateboard in or upon any of the following locations:(1)In any public parking garage, including the entrance and exit ramps thereof;(2)Upon any building access ramp which provides wheelchair or pedestrian access to a building; or(3)Upon any public or private property where prohibited by conspicuously located signs having lettering at least two inches high and containing, at a minimum, the words "No Skateboarding."... A person who violates any provision of this section shall be subject to prosecution in the name of the state in the same manner as second degree misdemeanor and, upon conviction, such person may be punished by a fine not to exceed $500.00, imprisonment in the county jail not to exceed 60 days, or both.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 22 | Land Development Code: Supplement 7).
Full Breakdown
Sec. 70-11(a) lists three specific no-skateboarding zones: public parking garages, including their entrance and exit ramps; any building access ramp built for wheelchair or pedestrian access; and any public or private property posted with a sign that says 'No Skateboarding' in letters at least two inches tall. Subsection (b) extends liability to a parent, legal guardian or custodian who knowingly lets a minor skate on a posted access ramp in violation of that ban.
Beyond the location bans, subsections (c) and (d) impose conduct duties that apply anywhere in the city: a skateboarder must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians and may not otherwise endanger or interfere with pedestrian traffic on any street or sidewalk, and may not damage public or private property while riding. Subsection (e) sets its own penalty, separate from the Chapter 1 general penalty used elsewhere in the code: a skateboarding violation is prosecuted in the same manner as a second degree misdemeanor, carrying a fine up to $500.00, up to 60 days in the county jail, or both.
Violations & Fines
Riding a skateboard in a parking garage, on a wheelchair access ramp, or on property posted with a two-inch 'No Skateboarding' sign violates Sec. 70-11(a). Failing to yield to a pedestrian, endangering pedestrian traffic, or damaging property while skateboarding violates subsections (c) and (d). Each is punishable under subsection (e) by up to a $500 fine, 60 days in jail, or both.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lakeland
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