Workman Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers | July 7, 2025 | Car Accidents
While it might seem unusual or unsafe, Florida law does not prohibit driving without shoes. In other words, it is not illegal to drive barefoot in Florida. Despite common myths and rumors, no state law requires drivers to wear footwear behind the wheel.
That said, just because it’s legal doesn’t always mean it’s a good idea. Driving barefoot might not violate traffic laws, but it can still play a role in a car accident or affect your ability to file a claim for compensation.
Keep reading to learn more.
Is Barefoot Driving Dangerous?
Even though it’s legal, driving barefoot might not always be safe. Your feet can easily slip off the pedals, especially if they’re wet or sweaty. You also lose some of the control and protection that proper footwear provides. For example, flip-flops and sandals can get caught under the gas or brake pedal, but bare feet can also have trouble applying steady pressure.
Some drivers say they feel more in control without shoes. However, it’s also possible that barefoot driving could lead to missteps if it’s something you aren’t used to. If your foot slips at the wrong moment, it could cause a serious crash.
Can Barefoot Driving Affect Fault in an Accident?
Since it’s not illegal, driving barefoot won’t automatically make you liable for a crash. However, it could still become a factor if someone tries to blame you for causing the accident. Florida uses a modified comparative negligence law, which means your compensation in a claim against the responsible party could be reduced in proportion to your degree of fault. However, if you are more at fault than the other party, you will be barred from compensation altogether.
Let’s say you were involved in a rear-end collision while driving barefoot. If the other driver argues that your bare feet caused a delay in braking, their insurance company might try to use that to limit your payout. This argument may or may not be successful depending on the facts of the case, but it is a risk that you take nonetheless.
Will Insurance Cover an Accident if I Was Driving Barefoot?
Generally, insurance companies won’t deny a claim just because you weren’t wearing shoes. Since it’s legal in Florida, your personal injury protection (PIP) coverage should still apply if you’re injured. This is a form of “no-fault” insurance, so you can generally receive benefits no matter who caused the collision.
However, in some cases, you may be eligible to file a claim against the other party for full economic and non-economic damages. In these circumstances, you can recover more compensation than what PIP can offer, but you’ll need to prove your case with evidence. Driving barefoot may or may not play a role in this process, depending on what exactly happened.
What Should I Do After a Car Accident in Florida?
If you were hurt in a crash (whether you were barefoot or not), taking the right steps after the accident is crucial. These actions can help protect your health and your claim:
- Call 911 and wait for law enforcement to arrive.
- Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver.
- Take photos and videos of the accident scene.
- Avoid making statements about fault, especially regarding your footwear.
- Seek medical care right away, even if you feel okay.
- Contact a personal injury lawyer to discuss your legal options.
Working with a lawyer early can help you avoid mistakes that could hurt your case. They can also push back against any unfair attempts to place blame on your driving habits.
Contact the Car Accident Law Firm of Workman Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers Today For Help
Driving barefoot in Florida may not be illegal, but it’s still something to think twice about. If you’ve been in an accident and the other party tries to blame your lack of footwear, an experienced attorney can help defend your rights.
For more information, please contact an experienced car accident lawyer at Workman Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers for a free consultation.
We proudly serve Fort Lauderdale, Clermont, and its surrounding areas:
Workman Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers
633 S Andrews Ave Ste 401, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
(954) 361-3997
Workman Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers
1655 E Hwy 50 ste 316, Clermont, FL 34711
(352) 77-33866