Sec. 66-151. - Title.

This article shall be known as and may be cited as the "Juvenile Curfew Ordinance of Pasco County."

(Ord. No. 97-04, § 1, 3-4-97)

Sec. 66-152. - Definitions.

As used in this article, the term:

Emergency means an unforeseen combination of circumstances which results in a situation that requires immediate attention to care for or prevent serious bodily injury, loss of life, or significant property loss. The term includes, but is not limited to, a fire, natural disaster, or an automobile accident.

Establishment means a privately owned place of business to which the public is invited, including, but not limited to, a place of amusement or a place of entertainment.

Minor means any person under 18 years of age.

Parent means a person who has legal custody of a minor as a:

(1)

Natural or adoptive parent.

(2)

Legal guardian.

(3)

Person who stands en loco parentis to the minor.

(4)

Person who has legal custody of the minor by order of the court.

Public place means a place to which the public has access, including, but not limited to, streets, highways, public parks, and the common areas of schools, hospitals, apartment houses, office buildings, transportation facilities, and shops.

Remain means to stay unnecessarily in a particular place.

(Ord. No. 97-04, § 3, 3-4-97)

Sec. 66-153. - Minors prohibited in public places; violation.

(a)

Time limits in general.

(1)

A minor may not be or remain in a public place or establishment between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. of the following day, Sunday through Thursday, except in the case of a legal holiday.

(2)

A minor may not be or remain in a public place or establishment between the hours of 12:01 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. on Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays.

(b)

A minor who has been suspended or expelled from school may not be or remain in a public place, in any establishment, or within 1,000 feet of a school during the hours of 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. during any school day.

(c)

A minor who violates this section shall receive a written warning for his first violation. A minor who violates this section after having received a prior written warning is guilty of a civil infraction and shall pay a fine of $50.00 for each violation.

(d)

If a minor violates a curfew and is taken into custody, the minor shall be transported to a police station or to a facility operated by a religious, charitable, or civic organization that conducts a curfew program in cooperation with a local law enforcement agency. After recording pertinent information about the minor, the law enforcement agency shall attempt to contact the parent of the minor and, if successful, shall request that the parent take custody of the minor and shall release the minor to the parent. If the law enforcement agency is not able to contact the minor's parent within two hours after the minor is taken into custody, or if the parent refuses to take custody of the minor, the law enforcement agency may transport the minor to his residence or proceed as authorized under F.S. ch. 39, pt. 3.

(Ord. No. 97-04, § 4, 3-4-97)

Sec. 66-154. - Responsibility of parents; penalty for violation.

(a)

The parent of a minor has a legal duty and responsibility to ensure that the minor does not violate subsection 66-153(a) of this article.

(b)

The parent of a minor has a legal duty and responsibility to personally supervise, or arrange for a responsible adult to supervise, the minor so that the minor does not violate subsection 66-153(b) of this article.

(c)

The parent of a minor who knowingly permits the minor to violate this article shall receive a written warning for a first violation. A parent who knowingly permits the minor to violate section 66-153 of this article after having received a prior written warning is guilty of a civil infraction and shall pay a fine of $50.00 for each violation.

(Ord. No. 97-04, § 5, 3-4-97)

Sec. 66-155. - Exemptions.

The provisions of section 66-153 above do not apply to a minor who is:

(1)

Accompanied by his parent or by another adult authorized by the minor's parent to have custody of the minor.

(2)

Involved in an emergency or engaged, with his parent's permission, in an emergency errand.

(3)

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.

(4)

Going directly to or returning directly from lawful employment, or who is in a public place or establishment in connection with, or as required by, a business, trade, profession, or occupation in which the minor is lawfully engaged.

(5)

Returning directly home from a school-sponsored function, a religious function, or a function sponsored by a civic association.

(6)

On the property or sidewalk of the place where he resides, or who is on the property or sidewalk of an adult next-door neighbor with that neighbor's permission.

(7)

Engaged in interstate or travel or bonafide intrastate travel with the consent of the minor's parent.

(8)

Attending an organized event held at and sponsored by a theme park or entertainment complex, as defined by F.S. § 509.013(9).

(Ord. No. 97-04, § 6, 3-4-97)

Sec. 66-156. - Applicability.

The provisions of this article shall be applicable in the unincorporated and incorporated areas of the county.

(Ord. No. 97-04, § 7, 3-4-97)