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Gov. Scott Signs Bill Which Increases Car Seat Age

TALLAHASSEE (CBSMiami/AP) - Starting in January, the little ones will have to be strapped into a car seat a little longer.

On Tuesday, Gov. Rick Scott signed a bill which increases Florida's car seat requirement from 4 years old to 5 years old. In other words, parents will no longer be allowed to use seat belts for children under 5.

The new law allows parents to use booster seats to meet the requirements.

Past efforts to raise the age requirement for car seats have gone nowhere in the Legislature. Former Gov. Jeb Bush in 2001 vetoed a bill to increase the age.

There are exceptions to the new law, including if a child is being transported by someone who is not a member of the immediate family.

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