No such earlier (9 months ago) statute...
If you're referring to the old TL-10 document from the DMV, then that is NOT what Jeff wants.. Because THAT document stated (basically) that you would have to register it as a moped and then need at least a basic (class C) drivers license..
Not exactly what the majority in Florida wants.
The only "problem" I see with the 25mph speed limit (which by the way I like the 25), is that I could see people "fudging" the numbers when it comes to the capable speed of their bikes..
As an example...
Just TODAY, I'm riding on my e-bike on the sidewalk (yeh, I'm pedaling) with my son holding on while he's on his longboard, and I see behind me, this guy on an "Extreme Scooters Electric Bike" (The 500w model). I notice he's NOT pedaling (FYI, it has a "deck" to put your feet on) and riding ON the sidewalk.. So me and my son pull off into the grass and let him by...
I happen to notice he only has ONE pedal attached.. So I say to him, "FYI, Technically you're not allowed to ride that on the sidewalk under motor power."
First thing he does is give me a dirty look, second thing he does is says that he IS allowed to do that.. I explain to him, that Chapter 31.1995 SPECIFALLY states that ONLY human power is allowed on sidewalks... (Yeah I know all the bicycle statutes by heart). He (in a diplomatic/"nice" way) tells me to mind my own business.. Then I explain to him that he doesn't have both his pedals attached to pedal the bike which is required in the statutes, even IF he wanted to pedal. He tells me, that the other one (left side pedal and crank arm) is in the storage compartment and doesn't "like them both attached", because he wants people to THINK it's a scooter and not an electric bicycle, IMO, because apparently he would be less of a "man" or something stupid like that...
I then ask him, can I see how the pedals attach (I've never actually seen one of those bikes up close) and then he tells me one of them is broken, so he can't really use them anyways...
CLEARLY, here is a guy, who despite having TWO "issues" about electric bike laws, just decides to try to "fudge" the prerequisites by making up his own.
(I tried to show the guy the statutes with my iPhone, but he then had to "rush off, because he's late"...)
I know, not exactly the analogy to best describe "fudging the numbers", but it's close enough.