ATV Florida Forum

I did some searching and can only find things out about the new law for kids under 16 to get the training certificate.  I want to buy my nephew a 4-wheeler and people keep telling me since he is under 16 the largest he can drive legally is a 90cc.  Is this true?  He is a big 11 year old and i think it would be a waste of money to buy him a 90cc when he will be outgrown it by next year.  Can he ride like a 125 or maybe a little larger?  Thanks

According to this is does not seem like there is a size regulation as lond as the child has the atv course and can handle the atv.  Does this sound right? 

http://www.floridaohv.org/ohv_safety.html

First, your child must use a 90cc to take safety course. After that, he can ride larger on private lands. But, state or federal lands require he comply with the manufacturer's recommendations(largely unenforced at this time).

100% right I got a warning from FWC on state land on Sunday for my nephew driving my foreman.  You also have to have a helment AND gogles.  (just FYI)

I have been reading up also just to make sure I understand  :)

Thanks for the responses.  I guess since 90% of our riding is on private land he could get a way with bigger than a 90cc.   Im not talking about getting him like a 300 or 400 but something like a 125 - 200.  He is a lot taller and bigger than the average 11 year old.  I just think the 90 is to small for him.  I let him drive my grizzly 660 around now under my supervision and he does a good job.  So I may just take my chances when riding on public land which he may never even get to ride on. 

During the safety course , he must ride an ATV with a CC recommended for his age. (manufacturer's label on the ATV)
After the course, there is no law that states what size CC he must ride on public or private land!
Under 16 he must ride with a helmet.

CC sizes are recommendation not requirements.  Cant be enforced!

And dont forget if you buy a "new" ATV, he qualifies for a free Safety Course.
But you will need to borrow, or make arrangement with the instructor for a 90cc atv for him to
take the course with.

 
                

You're correct that there's no Florida Statute prohibiting those under 16 from operating larger than 90cc. However, there are public and private properties which require such compliance, perhaps for liability purposes(they simply reserve the right to remove you from their property should you fail to comply). My 13 y.o. son's been safely operating ATVs since he was 6. He has a 250 and could safely operate a 400-500, under my supervision.

I agree.  My nephew is never allowed to ride without being under my supervision so I dont see where the problem is.  He is not one of the kids tha is allowed to take the 4wheeler out unsupervised and tear up peoples property and dirt roads.  We have this problem around our lake house with young kids tearing up the dirt roads and they are riding raptors.