Actually you have to have the required insurance to go helmetless in FLA. Here is a copy of the law.
Motorcycle Helmet Exemption
In an effort to answer questions our department has received regarding the motorcycle helmet exemption law, we provide the following information.
Who is eligible?
Only those individuals who are:
21 years of age or older and
covered by an insurance policy providing at least $10,000 in medical benefits
When did the law take effect?
The law went into effect on July 1, 2000.
What proof of insurance is required?
The department is advising law enforcement to accept a health insurance card (or actual policy or declarations page) from a HMO or Blue Cross/Blue Shield or some other recognized health insurance provider as proof. The card must show current insurance.
In addition, limited motorcycle medical coverage will also suffice. Contact your insurance carrier for more information. However, PIP coverage under a personal passenger vehicle policy would be insufficient for either the operator or passenger on the motorcycle.
Can I get pulled over by law enforcement just for not wearing a helmet?
Like Florida's seat belt law, our department has determined enforcement for this provision should be secondary. That is, an officer should not initiate a traffic stop only to determine insurance coverage.
However, law enforcement officer may stop a motorcycle operator or passenger riding without a helmet if the officer suspects the operator or rider is under 21. A law enforcement officer should not stop someone riding a motorcycle without a helmet only to check his or her age.
To read the department's legal opinion in its entirety, click here. You will need Acrobat reader to view.
The big kicker is most cops dont ask for proof of insurance when they pull a biker over and you know a lot of them dont have coverage. I wear a helmet most of the time when I ride and on the ocassions that I dont I am more inclined to ride in a more civil manner. No speeding or showing off. I've been riding for 28 years now and I have never had an accident so I would like to think experience and training are also key factors. Another kicker is FLA has a speciality license plate for MC's now and you would think the proceeds would go to something like a foundation for education into head injuries or something to benefit the victims of MC accidents but insted it goes to people with disabilties. Here is a link:
http://www.hsmv.state.fl.us/specialtytags/bikeplate.html
Of course this doesn't help Indian Larry. Maybe the next time they do a biker build off the producers should require the builders to make matching helmets and wear them. How many times have we seen Jesse James doing something stupid on a MC?
