FORT MYERS, Fla. -- Police are reminding parents that they will be held responsible if their child is found to break the city's youth curfew.
According to the Fort Myers Police Department, a minor is defined as any person 17-year-old or younger, and they may not be in any public place or restricted area within the city limits during curfew times.
Sunday through Thursday night, those hours are 9 p.m. until 5 a.m. On Friday and Saturday nights, as well as legal holidays, curfew hours are from 11 p.m. until 6 a.m.
A minor who has been suspended, expelled, and/or truant from school may not be or remain in any public place or restricted area within the city limits during the hours of 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. during any day that their school is in session.
According to the city's ordinance, if a minor violates the curfew, they shall receive a written warning for the first violation and a fine of $110.00 for each following violation.
A parent who knowingly permits the minor to violate any curfew, after having received a prior written warning, is guilty of a civil infraction and shall pay a fine of $110. A second violation shall result in a fine of $200. The fine for the third and subsequent violations shall be a minimum of $200.00, but not exceed $250.
Exceptions include:
--When a minor is accompanied by a parent or guardian over 21 years of age
--Completing an emergency errand
--Participating in an exercise protected under the First Amendment
--Traveling directly to/from lawful employment or a school/religious/civic sponsored function
--At personal or neighbor residence or other travel with consent of parent
