Oh, Behave! Ways "Just Having Fun" Can Land Your Teen In Hot Water

By VALERIE KALFRIN The Tampa Tribune

Published: Aug 6, 2007

TAMPA - School's out until Aug. 20, giving youngsters two more weeks to act up and hang out before heading back to the books.

But some "fun" carries heavy consequences. Everyone knows drinking under 21 is prohibited -- but what about in-line skating? Blaring the car radio? Staying out late?

Here's your guide to what's legal for teenagers under Tampa city ordinance and state law. Unless stated otherwise, city ordinance violations are punishable by a fine up to $500, imprisonment up to 60 days or probation up to six months. Penalties for violating state law are described below.

KEEP CALM: The law's patience with letting off steam goes only so far. If you disturb the peace and quiet of others or "outrage the sense of public decency," you could be charged with disorderly conduct. A charge of disorderly intoxication applies if you're drunk. Both are punishable by a fine up to $500 or 60 days in jail. If you're caught in a brawl, you also can be charged with disorderly conduct or more serious offense, causing an "affray." That carries a penalty of up to a year in jail or a fine up to $1,000.

EXPRESS YOURSELF: Public art is one thing; graffiti is another. A city ordinance says no one can write, paint, inscribe, scratch, scrawl, spray, place or draw graffiti on a public or private building, structure or other personal property.

Anyone caught faces a fine of at least $250 for a first offense and $500 for a second offense. If a repeat offender is a minor, the parent or guardian also is assessed the fine - and might be on the hook for restitution costs.

MOVING VIOLATIONS: Regardless of age, no one can use a skateboard, roller skates, in-line skates, coasters or similar devices on a city street or roadway. This city ordinance aims to protect pedestrians, vehicle traffic and property. Sidewalks in the Ybor City Business District, including 6th, 7th and 8th avenues, are specifically off-limits. So are sidewalks in the downtown Central Business District - unless you're on roller skates or in-line skates between sunset and sunrise, use lights or clothing to make yourself visible and yield to pedestrians. To roll safely and in peace, head for a park or a designated skating area such as the "Bro Bowl" at Perry Harvey Sr. Park on North Orange Avenue.

TATTOOS: No one can apply tattoos to another person unless the artist or shop is licensed under state law. If you're a minor - the law doesn't specify an age - forget that cool design until you get the written notarized consent of a parent or guardian. (Tattoo shops might have their own age restrictions.)

CLOSING TIME: Generally, a curfew applies to anyone under 17 unaccompanied by an adult within city limits. A city ordinance makes exceptions for teens attempting to help in an emergency; those who are married, working or homeless; and those attending school, religious or recreational functions. Teens should not be on sidewalks, streets or public places between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. on a Sunday through Thursday, and between 12:01 a.m. and 6 a.m. on a Friday or Saturday.

SMOKING, DRINKING, GETTING HIGH: State law prohibits anyone under 18 from purchasing or possessing any tobacco products. Violating this is not a criminal offense but is punishable by 16 hours of community service or a $25 fine. The penalty increases for subsequent violations; for the third or more within 12 weeks, a court can suspend your driver's license. No one under 21 can possess alcoholic beverages unless he or she works as a server or bartender in a restaurant or similar establishment. (Drinking is still off-limits.) If you're not on the job, state law says this is punishable by up to 60 days in jail or a fine up to $500 for a first offense. A subsequent violation is punishable by up to a year in jail or a fine up to $1,000. It is against the law for anyone to inhale or ingest any chemical compounds containing acetone, toluene and other substances for the purpose of intoxication. This is punishable by up to 60 days in jail or a fine up to $500. For narcotics, penalties vary. For instance, possession of less than 20 grams of marijuana is a first-degree misdemeanor, punishable by up to a year in jail or a fine up to $1,000.

WHAT'S THAT SOUND? Play whatever's music to your ears - but watch the volume. Playing music audible from 25 feet away in a vehicle violates a city ordinance.

STAY AWAY: If you don't have to be at school just yet, why go? State law prohibits anyone without school business from remaining on a school campus - especially if that person is a student currently under suspension or expulsion. Just being found there can be punishable by up to 60 days in jail or a fine up to $500. If you don't leave after the principal or another authority figure asks, the penalty increases to up to a year in jail or a fine up to $1,000.