Florida Clean Car Emission Rule (crime, landscaping, inspections)

[ElGuito]

I did a search and couldn't find anything already posted.
Within the plan of moving to South Florida is to bring my F-150 Pick Up truck, still several years of useful life ahead of him. I am reading that the Rule for Clean Emissions started in Florida in 2009 and only for models after 2009.
My truck is 1997 and the reason of my post is that if I could remove the catalytic converters it will give better mileage, it's a V8 4.6 liter rated at 15mpg on city streets.
Call me cheap but a few more mpg will be savings when we look at 4-5 years into the future.

So the question is, would a 1997 pick-up truck be exempt from the Clean Emissions Rule?

[Jim_Miller]

There are no emissions inspections whatsoever in SoFla. That being said, removing catalytic converters is a federal crime. Install some hi-flow cats so your vehicle doesn't smell like a Guatemalan landscaping truck and you're gtg.

[ElGuito]

Thanks for the prompt response, wow a Federal Crime.
Hmm, I did have to replace them catalytic converters, close to $3000, there are actually 4 items to replace, in-out driver side, in-out passenger side, so I'll leave them even if they decay.

More wow, how did You know I am originally from Guatemala?

[tallrick]

Just stuff a pipe inside the catalytic converter and the problem is solved.

[Dakster]

Only a crime to remove or defeat a working piece of emissions equipment, not a defective one. As stated there are no longer any vehicle inspections in the state. So unless you are blowing a lot of smoke or have a loud exhaust chances are no one will hassle you. Used to replace the highly inefficient stock exhaust and cats in Fords with high flow and legal exhaust systems for less than $3k. If you are trying to go that route, might want to look at a custom muffler shop that will give you a better overall exhaust system with aX or H-pipe. I can't remember how the '97 pickups were setup stock off the top of my head.