1. IS IT LEGAL? Are you allowed to hitchhike in Florida?
Sort of. You can’t hitchhike on limited access facilities, defined as interstate highways, expressways, turnpikes, toll roads or freeways (or on ramps leading to them) because Florida Statute 316.130 (18) bans pedestrians there. “No pedestrian shall walk upon a limited access facility or a ramp connecting a limited access facility to any other street or highway.”
Bicycles, animal-drawn vehicles and smaller motor-driven cycles or motor scooters are also prohibited on limited access facilities, according to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.
That still leaves city streets and county roads. But only if there are no local ordinances against it and you’re careful where you walk.
Florida Statute 316.130(5) says, “No person shall stand in the portion of a roadway paved for vehicular traffic for the purpose of soliciting a ride, employment, or business from the occupant of any vehicle.”
That suggests that standing in an unpaved area is fine. Just don’t stand or walk on the road, which is a good idea just on general principles.
Currently, hitchhiking is generally legal in 44 states and banned in Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Utah, and Wyoming. – C.A. Bridges/USA TODAY Network-Florida
2. WANT TO HUNT PYTHONS? The 2006 Challenge dates have been released
The dates for the 2026 Florida Python Challenge – the annual 10-day hunt for invasive Burmese pythons – were announced today, May 19, with registration now open.
The 2026 python hunt will run from July 10, 2026, to July 19, 2026.
The hunt helps protect the Florida Everglades habitat from the nonnative snakes that wreak havoc on the ecosystem and native wildlife.
Participants can win money prizes in several categories, including a $10,000 Ultimate Grand Prize.
In 2025, there were 934 total registered participants from 30 states and Canada. Competitors removed a record 294 pythons.
The grand prize went to Naples native Taylor Stanberry, the first woman to win the event, after she captured a whopping 60 pythons during the 10-day event. Stanberry won $10,000. – Mark Bickel and Kim Luciani/USA TODAY Network-Florida
3. READ MORE: Online now at marconews.com
If you missed Tuesday’s Marco Eagle, you can read those stories online now at marconews.com or click on the eNewspaper and read it and other past issues online, just as they appear in print.
Tuesday’s articles include:
Also, when you click on 3 To Know or 3 To Do, we have helpful links that expand on the topics discussed. The SWFLA To Do List has events listed far in advance of those in print, so that you can plan ahead. There are also stories of interest from around the region and around the state. And no subscription is required.
Read more at marconews.com.
This article originally appeared on Marco Eagle: 3 To Know: We ask, is it legal? Are you allowed to hitchhike in Florida? Want to hunt pythons?
Reporting by Marco Eagle / Marco Eagle
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
