Exclude validation value

When you need to validate a field, but don't actually require it for anything e.g. 'accept terms and conditions', make use of the exclude rule. That way, the validated method won't return it...

class StoreRequest extends FormRequest
{
    public function rules(): array
    {
        return [
            'name' => 'required|string',
            'email_address' => 'required|email',
            'terms_and_conditions' => 'required|accepted|exclude',
        ];
    }

class RegistrationController extends Controller
{
    public function store(StoreRequest $request)
    {
        $payload = $request->validated(); // only name and email
 
        $user = User::create($payload);
 
        Auth::login($user);
 
        return redirect()->route('dashboard');
    }

Tip given by @mattkingshott