Are Golf Carts Street Legal in Florida? New Rules Explained

Did you know Florida has introduced new laws that could impact how and where you drive your golf cart? Whether you’re cruising through your community or venturing onto public roads, staying informed about these updated regulations is essential to avoid fines and keep your ride legal. Read on to discover everything you need to know about Florida’s golf cart laws, including the latest changes, rules, and accident cases.

Is A Golf Cart A Motor Vehicle?

First, let’s start with answering Is a golf cart a motor vehicle? Under Florida law, it depends on the design and use. Under Florida Statutes, a golf cart is defined as a motor vehicle designed and manufactured for operation on a golf course for sporting or recreational purposes, with a top speed under 20 mph.

According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), low-speed vehicles (LSVs) are different—they are four-wheeled vehicles with a top speed greater than 20 mph but not exceeding 25 mph. LSVs must be registered, titled, insured, and operated by a licensed driver. While golf carts are not classified as motor vehicles for registration or insurance purposes when operated on designated roadways, they are still subject to specific safety regulations and recently updated laws.

What Is the New Law for Golf Carts in Florida?

Florida law has long regulated golf cart usage to prioritize safety, especially on public roads. Previously, operators had to be at least 14 years old to drive a golf cart on designated roads without requiring a license or formal training. While traditional golf carts were not subject to registration or insurance, local governments could impose additional restrictions, such as limiting access to specific roads or neighborhoods.

As of July 1, 2023, updated Florida Statute § 316.212(7)(b) has introduced stricter requirements. All golf cart operators on public roads must now carry a valid government-issued photo ID. Additionally, operators under 18 years old must have a learner’s permit or driver’s license to legally drive a golf cart on public roads. These rules address concerns about inexperienced drivers, particularly in areas with mixed traffic, where accidents involving minors have been on the rise. In addition to the recent changes regarding age and documentation requirements for driving a golf cart, Florida law outlines a range of other regulations necessary to make golf cart operations legal in specific circumstances.

What Makes a Golf Cart Street Legal in Florida?

Operating a golf cart on Florida’s roads isn’t as simple as hopping in and taking off. To ensure safety and compliance, both the driver and the vehicle must meet specific legal requirements. Here’s what you need to know to keep your golf cart street-legal and protect yourself in case of an accident.

Safety and Equipment Standards

For a golf cart to be considered street-legal in Florida, it must meet essential safety and equipment requirements. These include:

Headlights, brake lights, and tail lights
Turn signals and a rearview mirror
A windshield and operational wipers
Seat belts for all passengers
A parking brake.

Without these features, the vehicle cannot legally operate on public roadways. Additionally, the golf cart’s occupancy must not exceed the number of available seats. Passengers must be safely seated at all times, as standing, sitting on laps, or riding on the sides of the cart is not permitted. Overloading a golf cart not only increases the risk of accidents but can also result in fines and liability issues if an injury occurs.

Nighttime Operations

In Florida, legislation strictly regulates golf cart usage during nighttime hours. Traditional golf carts cannot operate between sunset and sunrise unless equipped with functional headlights, brake lights, turn signals, and reflective devices. Even with these features, nighttime operation is only allowed in areas specifically designated for such use by local governments.

Driver’s License and Age Requirements

As we’ve mentioned above, as of July 1, 2023, all golf cart operators on public roads must carry a government-issued photo ID. Drivers under 18 must also have a learner’s permit or driver’s license to operate legally.

Titling, Registration, and Insurance of Street-Legal Golf Carts

Traditional Golf Carts are exempt from titling, registration, and insurance requirements when operated solely on designated roads. Let’s examine the key legal differences between golf carts and LSVs, which are often confused.

Differences Between Golf Carts and Low-Speed Vehicles (LSVs)

Golf carts and low-speed vehicles (LSVs) share similarities, especially when golf carts are operated on designated roads, but there are significant legal differences when they are used outside these areas. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for ensuring compliance, avoiding fines, and protecting yourself in the event of an accident.

Speed: Golf carts operate at speeds under 20 mph, while LSVs travel between 20 and 25 mph.
Registration and Insurance: Golf carts are exempt from these requirements, but LSVs must be titled, registered, and insured.
Driver Requirements: Golf cart drivers must be at least 14 years old, while LSV operators need a valid driver’s license. All golf cart operators driving on public roads must now carry a valid government-issued photo ID. For drivers under 18 years old, a learner’s permit or a driver’s license is required.
Road Usage: Golf carts are limited to designated roads with speed limits of 30 mph or less, while LSVs can operate on roads with speed limits up to 35 mph.
Safety Features: Golf carts may not require advanced safety features unless operating on designated roads, whereas LSVs must have headlights, seat belts, turn signals, and rearview mirrors.

Even when a golf cart meets legal requirements, you can’t drive it everywhere.

Where Can You Drive a Golf Cart in Florida?

Florida offers a range of opportunities for golf cart enthusiasts, but strict rules determine where you can legally drive.

Can You Drive a Golf Cart on the Road in Florida?

Yes, but only under specific conditions. In Florida, golf carts are allowed to operate on public roads if the road is explicitly designated for golf cart use and the speed limit does not exceed 30 mph. Local governments are responsible for determining which roads permit golf carts, so restrictions can vary depending on your area. As mentioned before, drivers must meet the legal age to drive a golf cart in Florida, which is 14 years old, to operate on public roads.

Can You Drive a Golf Cart on the Sidewalk in Florida?

No, driving a golf cart on sidewalks is prohibited under Florida law, except in one narrow circumstance: you may cross a sidewalk to directly access a roadway. Recreational or casual use of sidewalks is not allowed. Violating this rule can result in fines or, worse, legal consequences if the golf cart causes harm.

Prohibited Areas for Golf Carts

Summing the above points further, Florida law prohibits golf carts from operating in certain areas unless explicitly permitted by local ordinances. Key restrictions include:

Highways and Roads with Speed Limits Exceeding 30 mph: Traditional golf carts are not allowed on roads with speed limits above 30 mph unless crossing them at designated intersections.
Sidewalks and Bike Paths: Operating a golf cart on sidewalks or bike paths is illegal unless crossing them to access a roadway.
Public Parks and Recreation Areas: Many public parks restrict golf cart use unless the area is specifically designated for such vehicles.
Private Property Without Permission: Driving a golf cart on private property without the owner’s consent is considered trespassing and could result in both criminal and civil penalties.

Knowing where you can and cannot legally drive a golf cart is essential for avoiding fines and protecting your rights in the event of an accident.

Do Traffic Laws Apply to Golf Carts?

Now that you understand how to legally operate a golf cart and where it can be used, the next question is whether traffic laws apply to golf carts. The answer is yes. In Florida, traffic laws apply to golf carts operating on public roads. While traditional golf carts are not classified as motor vehicles, drivers must still comply with basic traffic rules, including obeying speed limits, stopping at stop signs, and yielding to pedestrians. Local governments may impose additional regulations specific to their jurisdiction, so it’s critical to familiarize yourself with the rules in your area before driving a golf cart on public roads.

Specific Golf Cart Rules in Florida Cities

Florida law allows cities to set their own golf cart regulations, balancing convenience with public safety. Let’s look at some city-specific golf cart regulations:

The Villages: Golf carts can operate on roads with speed limits of 30 mph or less and must have headlights, turn signals, and mirrors for nighttime use.
Key West: Golf carts are allowed on streets with speed limits of 35 mph or less.
Miami Beach: Golf carts exceeding 20 mph are classified as LSVs and must be registered and insured. Traditional carts are limited to residential areas and cannot use major roads.
Naples: Only specific neighborhoods permit golf carts, and stricter penalties apply for violations, such as driving on prohibited streets or lacking safety equipment. Golf carts are banned from city beaches.
St. Augustine: Golf carts are common on designated streets but must have seat belts, headlights, and turn signals. Night use requires reflective decals and functional lighting.

Violating city-specific rules can result in fines, accidents, and liability issues, which are often more complicated due to the differing insurance obligations for golf carts compared to cars.

Insurance Requirements for Golf Carts

In Florida, traditional golf carts are not required to carry insurance if used exclusively on designated roads. However, this exemption doesn’t shield owners from liability for damages or injuries, leaving them personally responsible for medical bills, property damage, or legal costs.

Low-speed vehicles (LSVs), with speeds of 20-25 mph, must carry personal injury protection (PIP) and property damage liability (PDL) insurance. Operating an uninsured LSV on public roads is illegal and can result in fines, license suspension, or denied claims after an accident.
Although insurance isn’t mandatory for traditional golf carts, it’s highly recommended. Optional policies can include liability coverage, collision coverage, and protection against theft or vandalism.

If you’re injured in a golf cart accident, the driver’s insurance—or lack thereof—can significantly impact your ability to recover damages. Insured drivers offer more straightforward compensation options, while uninsured drivers may leave you pursuing personal lawsuits. Florida law also imposes fines on drivers operating golf carts illegally or improperly.

Fines and Liability of Violating Golf Cart Laws in Florida

Driving a golf cart violating laws can lead to significant fines, as outlined in Florida Statute § 316.212. Operating a golf cart on a prohibited roadway or failing to comply with safety equipment requirements may result in fines ranging from $60 to $500, depending on the specific infraction.
Certain violations carry more severe consequences:

DUI Offenses: Under Florida Statute, driving a golf cart under the influence of drugs or alcohol is treated the same as a DUI involving a car. Penalties include fines up to $1,000, license suspension, and potential jail time for first-time offenders, with harsher penalties for repeat violations.
Unlawful Modifications: If a golf cart is modified to exceed 20 mph but is not registered as a low-speed vehicle (LSV), it may be considered an unregistered motor vehicle leading to fines and possible vehicle impoundment.
Injury or Property Damage: Violations that result in injuries or property damage often lead to civil lawsuits. For example, in Smith v. XYZ (2022), an illegally modified golf cart caused a collision, and the driver was held liable for medical expenses and property repairs due to negligence.

Liability for Accidents

When golf cart drivers violate traffic laws or operate the cart illegally, they are likely to be held liable for fines and damages in accidents. Conversely, victims can use these violations to strengthen their case for compensation in a lawsuit. A notable case, Doe v. ABC Corporation (2019), involved a pedestrian injured by a golf cart operated on a public road not designated for golf cart use. The court found the driver negligent for violating laws, resulting in a six-figure settlement for medical expenses and pain and suffering.

By staying within the boundaries of law and understanding its nuances, you can avoid severe financial and legal consequences while safeguarding your rights. But if you are injured in an accident involving a golf cart violation, consult an experienced attorney to explore your options.

How Liability Is Determined in a Golf Cart Accident

Liability in a golf cart accident is assessed based on negligence, meaning the at-fault party failed to act with reasonably, leading to the injury or damage. Under Florida Statute § 768.81, the state follows the comparative negligence standard, which means fault can be divided among multiple parties. For example, if the golf cart driver ran a stop sign, they may be deemed primarily liable for the accident. However, if the other party was speeding, they could share a percentage of the fault, reducing the damages awarded proportionally.

Key factors in determining liability specifically for golf-related accidents might include:

Violation of Traffic Laws: Operating a golf cart in areas where it is prohibited, such as on highways or sidewalks, often establishes fault.
Improper Operation: Actions like distracted driving, reckless behavior, or driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs are clear indicators of negligence.
Vehicle Compliance: A golf cart or low-speed vehicle (LSV) that lacks required safety features or has been unlawfully modified can shift liability to the owner or operator.
Third-Party Negligence: In some cases, liability may extend to property owners or municipalities. For instance, if poor road conditions contributed to the accident, the responsible entity may share the blame.

You might think golf cart accidents are rare and minor, but a few recent cases in Florida have demonstrated otherwise:

The Naples Modified Golf Cart Crash

In a Naples community, a modified golf cart capable of exceeding 25 mph was involved in a collision with a passenger vehicle. The driver of the modified cart was held liable for failing to register the vehicle as a low-speed vehicle (LSV). The insurance company denied the claim due to the cart’s illegal modifications, leaving the driver personally responsible for over $100,000 in damages to the other driver’s vehicle and medical costs.

The Key West Tourist Tragedy

A Key West rental golf cart overturned after the driver lost control on a sharp turn. The accident left a passenger with spinal injuries requiring long-term care. Investigations revealed the rental company failed to maintain the cart’s brakes, making them liable under Florida’s premises liability laws. The victim received a $1.5 million settlement, reinforcing the responsibility of rental companies to ensure their carts are safe for operation.

Each of these cases demonstrates how negligence—whether it’s by the operator, vehicle owner, or a third party—can lead to devastating accidents and significant liability.

The claim process for a golf cart accident in Florida is similar to filing a claim after a car accident, but there are key differences. Like car accident claims, you must report the incident, document the scene, and seek medical attention promptly. However, the classification of the vehicle—whether it’s a traditional golf cart or a low-speed vehicle (LSV)—can significantly impact how the claim is handled.

Our experienced motor vehicle accident attorneys understand the nuances of Florida golf cart laws and will guide you through every step of the claim process. Whether you need assistance negotiating with insurance companies or pursuing a lawsuit to recover damages, we are here to fight for your rights and secure the compensation you deserve. Don’t hesitate to reach out for a free consultation to discuss your case and explore your options.

(800) 560-5059