Internet Explorer 11 is not supported

For optimal browsing, we recommend Chrome, Firefox or Safari browsers.

Florida City Bans Sagging Pants

If found on city property, violators could face a $500 fine and six months in jail.

Don't get caught with your pants down below your waist on city of Ocala property. You could face up to a $500 fine and six months in jail.

 

The Ocala City Council voted 4-0 Tuesday to pass an ordinance that prohibits anyone on city property from wearing their pants two inches below their natural waist in a way that exposes underwear or bare buttocks.

Council President John McLeod was absent.

This is the second time Councilwoman Mary Rich requested the ordinance. In 2009, the ordinance died when none of the other council members would second the motion. Rich told Mayor Kent Guinn on Tuesday that one of his objections in 2009 was that it could lead to profiling but she said it would not be profiling because kids of both genders and all races offend.

"It doesn't matter what color they are," Rich said. "They all wear their pants down."

Guinn, who heads the Ocala Police Department, asked how an officer can measure if the pants were two inches below the waist if the person sees an officer and pulls up the pants.

Daniel Luzer is GOVERNING's news editor.
Special Projects