ORLANDO, Fla. – As Christmas approaches, many people find themselves packing their bags and hitting the road to reconnect with family and friends during the festive season. This annual pilgrimage often involves traversing the extensive network of highways that crisscross the Sunshine State.

Navigating Florida’s hundreds of miles of highways can translate into lengthy, sometimes exhausting journeys for those opting to drive. Fortunately, the state is dotted with over 60 rest areas, complemented by eight Turnpike plazas and four welcoming centers, providing convenient pit stops for weary travelers.

These facilities offer not just a chance to stretch your legs, but also a tempting opportunity to catch a few minutes of rest during those extended drives. However, this raises an important question: what exactly does the law say about taking a nap at these rest areas?

LEGAL GUIDELINES FOR RESTING

In Florida, most rest areas are accessible around the clock, making them a practical choice for drivers in need of a brief respite. With operations running 24 hours a day, these spots are designed to accommodate the needs of travelers, offering a safe and legal place to recharge before continuing on your journey.

Nearly every rest area in Florida is open 24 hours a day, making them a great spot to take a nap.

However, Florida Administrative Code only allows drivers to park for up to three hours. As such, drivers might be able to take a short snooze, but it’s no substitute for a full night’s sleep.

For commercial drivers, though, that figure is hiked up to 10 hours, which can help with their often longer drives.

Either way, FDOT officials assure residents that Florida’s rest areas feature overnight security, so drivers can feel safer if they decide to use these spots to drift off for a bit.

That being said, picnic areas at these rest stops are not open at night, so you’ll be limited to other activities during this time.