Changes to Youth Curfew to go into Effect
September 4, 2012
(Fort Myers, FL: August 31, 2012) - On September 1, 2012 the recently changed Youth
Protection Ordinance will go into effect. The Fort Myers Police Department would like to
remind residents the new curfew is earlier:
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A minor may not be or remain in any public place or restricted area within the city limits
between the hours of 9:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. of the following day, Sunday through
Thursday, except in the case of a legal holiday.
A minor may not be or remain in any public place or restricted area within the city limits
between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. on Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays.
There is a thirty-day grace period for the new ordinance. Police will spend the month of
September educating parents of the curfew. Enforcement will begin in October.
What are the exceptions?
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Accompanied by a parent or another adult authorized by the parent to have custody of the
minor.
With a person 21 years of age or older and that person has the permission of the parent to
be in charge of the Minor
Involved in an emergency or engaged, with permission of the parent of the minor, in an
emergency errand.
Attending or traveling directly to or from an activity that involves the exercise of rights
protected under the First Amendment of the United States Constitution.
Going directly to or returning directly from lawful employment, or is in any public place
or restricted area within the city limits in connection with or as required by a business,
trade, profession, or occupation in which the minor is lawfully engaged.
Returning directly home from a school sponsored function, a religious function, or a
function sponsored by a civic organization.
On the property or the sidewalk of the place where the minor resides or that of an adult
next-door neighbor with the permission of that neighbor.
Engaged in interstate travel or bona fide intrastate travel with the consent of the parent of
the minor.
Attending an organized event held at and sponsored by a theme park or entertainment
complex as defined in F.S. § 509.013(9).
Frequently Asked Questions:
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What if my child wants to take a run at 10:00 p.m? This would be a violation of the
ordinance.
What if I send my child to the store at 10:30 p.m. for medicine? This would not be a
violation of the ordinance as it is an emergency defined by the parent.
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My child participates in school activities that sometime run after 9:00 p.m. Is this a
violation? This would not be a violation and is a noted exception.
My child gets off from work at 11:00 p.m., would this be a violation? No, it is a noted
exception, as long as the minor goes directly home from their place of employment.
Is my child allowed to drive around in a car after 9:00 p.m.? No, this would be a
violation.
The ordinance states “a public place”, what does that mean? It means a place to which the
public has access, including, but not limited to; streets, highways, public parks, parking
garages, and the common areas of schools, hospitals, apartment houses, office buildings,
transportation facilities, recreational areas in public housing and shops.