If you’ve ever heard someone claim it’s illegal to eat an orange in a bathtub, here’s the quick answer: No, it’s not illegal—anywhere in the United States. This quirky “law” is a long-standing urban legend with no basis in real legal codes. While it makes for a funny bit of trivia, you can enjoy your citrus in the tub without fear of getting fined.

Where Did This Strange Idea Come From?

The origins of the “orange-in-the-bathtub law” are murky, but many believe it began as a joke or misinterpretation of an old plumbing concern. In the early 1900s, household pipes were far less durable, and acidic foods like oranges were rumored to corrode them. Whether or not that was ever a real risk, there’s no record that any city or state actually banned the practice.

This myth has likely survived because it’s absurd enough to be memorable, yet oddly believable in a world where plenty of strange laws do exist.

No Legal Basis—Anywhere

Extensive searches of California’s legal codes (where the rumor is most often said to originate) reveal no statute about oranges and bathtubs. Nor does any other state have such a rule. Legal archives, municipal codes, and historical records are silent on the matter, confirming this as pure urban legend.

It’s worth noting that there are many odd but real rules in the U.S.—from bans on sleeping with donkeys in Arizona to outdated dress code laws in California. Florida, in particular, has inspired countless lists of crazy Florida laws, but none involve citrus in the bathroom.

Why People Believe It

Urban legends like this persist because:

• They’re funny – The mental image alone makes people want to share it.
• They sound oddly plausible – Plumbing concerns once were legitimate.
• They spread easily – Trivia books, social media, and “weird law” articles keep it alive.

Over time, harmless myths like this become part of pop culture, often mentioned alongside real—but rarely enforced—laws.

The Broader Lesson on “Weird Laws”

While this orange myth is harmless, it does highlight an important point: Don’t assume something is illegal just because you’ve heard it repeated. Many so-called “crazy laws” online are either misquoted, misunderstood, or have been repealed for decades.

If you’re curious whether a law is real, you can check your state or city’s official code, which is often available online for free. This way, you can separate actual enforceable rules from fun but fictional ones.

Final Takeaway

There’s absolutely no law stopping you from peeling and eating an orange in your bathtub. The rumor is just a funny example of how myths take on a life of their own. So if you want to pair a relaxing soak with a juicy snack, go right ahead—just watch out for the mess.