[ColdNoMore]

Originally Posted by mtdjed

Who defines what is legal or illegal in a private parking lot? Who would enforce? i.e. would a law enforcement officer actually ticket someone who ran a private parking lot stop sign or drove faster than parking lot speed signs suggest?

Advisory Legal Opinion - Enforcing of traffic laws on private property

This office has, in a number of prior opinions, stated that the provisions of Ch. 316, F.S., are enforceable on private property only when the public has a right to travel by motor vehicle on such property. This conclusion was based on the language of s. 316.640, F.S., which provides, in part, that municipalities shall enforce state traffic laws on all municipal streets and highways "wherever the public has the right to travel by motor vehicle."[1] It is the availability of the area or place for travel and the right of general and common use which makes certain private property subject to public control pursuant to Ch. 316, F.S.[2] Thus, this office has determined that municipalities have enforcement authority with respect to traffic violations and accidents occurring on "private property" where the public has the right to travel by motor vehicle such as shopping centers and parking lots.