How close to a fire hydrant can you park in Florida?
How far must you keep your parked vehicle from a fire hydrant in Florida?
The answer
Do not stand or park within 15 feet of a fire hydrant.
Florida's parking statute lists the hydrant distance among its stand-or-park prohibitions. The 15 feet rule applies whether or not the vehicle is occupied.
The same section sets other distances, such as 20 feet from a crosswalk at an intersection and 30 feet on the approach to a stop sign or signal at the side of the road.
Exceptions
- The prohibition for standing or parking does not apply to momentarily stopping to pick up or discharge a passenger.
- The prohibitions also yield when necessary to avoid conflict with other traffic, or to comply with law or the directions of a police officer or official traffic control device.
Penalty
Noncriminal traffic infraction, punishable as a nonmoving violation under chapter 318 (316.1945(4)). Fine amounts are not stated on the statute page.
Why this rule matters for safety
Firefighters must connect a hose to the hydrant quickly. A parked car in the way can delay water to a fire.
Official sources
- Florida Statutes 316.1945 (Stopping, standing, or parking prohibited in specified places) · Florida Legislature (flsenate.gov)Subsections (1) lead-in, (1)(b)2.-4. and (4). Page shown as the 2026 edition.
Rules checked against these sources on . Laws change. Confirm with the Florida agency before you rely on this for a legal matter.
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