Golf cart-friendly communities in unincorporated Hillsborough County include Sun City Center and Twin Branch Acres. There are no neighborhoods designated in St. Petersburg, but the city of St. Pete Beach allows golf carts — as do Dunedin, Ozona and Crystal Beach.
Full Answer
Are golf carts legal to drive in Florida?
Florida State statute 316.2122 states that for a golf cart to be legally driven on the streets it must be “equipped with headlamps, stop lamps, turn signal lamps, tail lamps, reflex reflectors, parking brakes, rear view mirrors, windshields, seat belts, and vehicle identification numbers.” Make sure it’s registered and insured.
Do golf carts need insurance and registration in FL?
Do You Need To Register A Golf Cart In Florida? It is not necessary to keep a golf cart title or registration for it to have PIP and PDL insurance. A driver’s license is not required to operate a golf cart; persons younger than 14 should therefore not operate a golf cart on public roads.
Are go carts street legal in Florida?
Are Go-Karts street legal in Florida? In Florida, you may operate an ATV or go-kart only on private land or on unpaved public roadways where the speed limit is less than 35 mph. If you decide to operate an ATV or a go-kart on an unpaved public roadway, you can do so only during daytime.
Where can I find the golf cart?
Find an E-Z-GO golf cart dealer near you. Search their inventory, request a quote or browse their website to find your new golf cart.
Where are golf carts street legal in Florida?
A golf cart may be operated only upon a county road that has been designated by a county, or a unicipal street that has been designated by a municipality, for use by golf carts.
What cities in Florida are golf cart friendly?
Ocean Reef, Florida, is a town in the Florida Keys. This is a club that features fishing, golf, yachting, tennis, shopping, and high-end dining. Most people will get around by golf carts. If you are going to be vacationing in Ocean Reef, it is easy to find a cart to rent.
Can you drive golf carts on roads in Florida?
In general, Florida only allows you to drive a golf cart on a highway if it divides a subdivision, trailer park, or golf course. You do not have to title or register a golf cart with the state, either.
Can you make a golf cart street legal in Florida?
Prior to titling and registering a converted golf cart, the vehicle must be inspected and assigned a VIN at a Motorist Services Regional Office. The converted golf cart must be street-legal before applying for title and registration.
Can you drive golf carts on the beach in Florida?
ordinances coincide with Florida Statute with the exception to beach driving. You must be 16 years of age and possess a valid driver's license to drive a golf cart on Gulf County's beaches designated for driving.
What is the most affordable beach town in Florida?
According to Neighborhoods.com, the 10 most affordable beach towns in Florida are:Port Charlotte.Fort Pierce.Daytona Beach.Venice.Palm Bay.Melbourne.Port Orange.Tarpon Springs.More items...•
Is it legal to drive golf carts on sidewalks in Florida?
Operating golf carts on public roads, streets, or sidewalks is prohibited in Florida, but there are exceptions: golf carts can use county or municipal roads that have been designated for cart use by the governmental entity that has authority.
Do you need a license plate for a golf cart in Florida?
To a certain extent, yes. But let's be clear: Guy DiMartino does not recommend anyone in the state of Florida modify their golf cart as it can often be unlawful and unsafe. Remember, the minute a golf cart exceeds speeds of 20 mph it is an LSV and requires a license, registration tag, and insurance.
Are golf carts street legal in Tampa?
Depending on the golf cart. And the road. TAMPA — Gary Payne has a car, but he prefers zipping around Davis Islands in a golf cart.
How much is golf cart insurance in Florida?
If your golf cart is not registered with the FL DMV, you should be able to cover your Golf Cart with a simple endorsement to your home insurance or a stand-alone Golf Cart insurance policy. The cost of both options is relatively small (usually between $70-$150 per year), but I'd strongly suggest the stand-alone policy.
Can you drive golf carts in Key West?
Where can I drive a golf cart or electric car in Key West? Golf carts and electric vehicles may be used on streets where the posted speed limit is 35 miles per hour or less. The good news is, the streets in Old Town have a maximum speed limit of 20 miles per hour, so you're good to cruise around.
Can you get a DUI on a golf cart in Florida?
Florida classifies golf cart DUI as a criminal offense, which means that a criminal defense lawyer can represent you. A strong defense could result in dismissal or reduction of the charges against you.
Is Clearwater Beach golf cart friendly?
Simplify your life and travel the island on one of our street legal 4-5 passenger golf carts. Although golf carts are not allowed on the beaches themselves, they are certainly the easiest way to explore, shop and dine on Clearwater Beach.
Is Palm Coast golf cart friendly?
Flagler Beach is very golf-cart friendly on its side streets. The only three exceptions to carts in Flagler Beach are State Road A1A, State Road 100, and sidewalks. Palm Coast has no such allowances, nor does Bunnell.
Is Fort Myers golf cart friendly?
4 answers. Golf Carts are allowed in the park. You must be over 18 with a valid drivers license.
Why does Peachtree City have so many golf carts?
The phenomenon began after the construction of the first golf course in the sixties when residents wanted a cart-specific path to access the facility. From there it quickly grew, even influencing State legislation in 1974 allowing golf carts on public streets.
Where are golf carts in Florida?
Newer residents may be shocked to find how many golf carts they’ll find on public roads in Florida, especially in the suburban areas surrounding our major cities like Jacksonville, Orlando, Miami and Tampa.
What is the top speed of a golf cart in Florida?
According to the statute, Florida says an LSV (low-speed vehicle) is defined as a four-wheeled electric vehicle whose top speed is greater than 20 mph but less than 25 mph.
Why are cars so expensive in Florida?
Cars are expensive to maintain, fuel and ensure — not to mention the traffic they create on our public roads lead to pollution and slower commute times. In response to this many Florida residents have found alternative ways of transportation, whether that be a bicycle, public transportation, ride-sharing app or even a golf cart.
Can a golf cart cross a highway in Florida?
Florida statute 316.212 section three says a golf cart can cross a state highway so long as it divides a subdivision, mobile home park or golf course. So for example, if you have to cross a state highway to get from one side of your neighborhood to another you are allowed to do so. Remember, all of this jargon is for GOLF CARTS only.
Can golf carts cross the street in Leesburg?
County portions of Main Street from Canal Street to Dixie Avenue and from U.S. Highway 27 to Ninth Street. However, golf carts are not allowed to cross state roads including North Boulevard (U.S. Highway 441) and Dixie Avenue (State Road 44) in Leesburg, which are maintained by the state Department of Transportation.
Can you get a DUI for driving a golf cart in Florida?
This includes speeding, riding on illegal roads and even DUIs. Yes, you can be issued a DUI for driving a golf cart.
Can you ride a golf cart at night?
However, different local governments can have different laws that can define when you can ride your golf cart. For instance in The Villages, Florida you can operate your golf cart at night if it has headlights, brake lights, turn signals, and reflective warning devices on the front and rear sides of the golf cart.
Know The Difference Between Golf Carts, LSVs, and NEVs
Many states (including Florida) make distinctions between these different classifications of vehicles, and have different laws for each.
The Process Of Making Your Golf Cart Street Legal In Florida
Complete an application for registration and title. You’ll turn this in to your local DMV office, along with paying registration, title fees, and applicable taxes.
Frequently Asked Questions About How To Make Golf Carts Street Legal In Florida
The bottom line here is that if you want to take your golf cart on public roads in Florida, you must make your golf cart street legal.
Conclusion
We hope you’ve learned more about how to make your Florida golf cart street legal and have simplified the process with this guide.
What is the Florida law for golf carts?
Florida State statute 316.2122 states that for a golf cart to be legally driven on the streets it must be “equipped with headlamps, stop lamps, turn signal lamps, tail lamps, reflex reflectors, parking brakes, rear view mirrors, windshields, seat belts, and vehicle identification numbers. ”.
What happens if you don't follow the rules on golf carts?
And if you don’t follow the laws, just like with a regular car, you will probably get pulled over and might end up with a ticket.
How fast can a golf cart go?
Golf carts and other small vehicles can only be driven in places where the speed limit is 35 mph or less. One of the main reasons for this is safety. Even if your cart can go faster than 35 mph it’s not smart to drive faster.
What is the insurance number for golf carts?
If you would to like to discuss your options for golf cart insurance please call us at 561-732-9305 our quoting hours are Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM. In addition, you can request a quote online. Please remember, We Handle All the Work, While You Save!
Is a golf cart legal in Florida?
Make sure your golf cart is fully equipped. A golf carts must have the necessary parts to be considered a “street legal” golf cart, and just like with our cars, they must be in good working order. Florida State statute 316.2122 states that for a golf cart to be legally driven on the streets it must be “equipped with headlamps, stop lamps, ...
Do you need insurance to register a golf cart in Florida?
In fact, in the state of Florida, proof of insurance must be present before you will even be allowed to register your golf cart. This is the same law used to govern registration and insurance requirements for regular cars.
Can you get pulled over for driving a golf cart?
And if you don’t follow the laws, just like with a regular car, you will probably get pulled over and might end up with a ticket. But by following these laws you can access most places within a city, because more and more communities are becoming accessible to low-speed vehicles such as golf carts.
Where are golf carts made?
Although Augusta is known for its national golf tournament held every spring, few people realize that the majority of golf carts are manufactured in the greater Augusta area. Both EZ-Go and Club Car are headquartered there.
Where is EZ Go located?
Now EZ-Go and Club Car are the two largest in the golf car industry, with headquarters in the same area code. 6. Charleston, SC. Located in the heart of the Low Country, Charleston is becoming a golf cart mecca.
What is the name of the island off the coast of North Carolina?
10. Bald Head Island , NC. A small and remote island off the coast of North Carolina only accessible by ferry, Bald Head Island has very few automobiles. The primary form of transportation for residents is by golf cart. Unfortunately, that can lead to some interesting situations in 2016:
Where is the Villages in Florida?
The Villages, FL. Located in the heart of central Florida, The Villages is a master-planned age-restricted retirement community. It is best defined as a year-round summer camp for seniors 55 and older. The development was designed with the goal of making golf carts the primary mode of transportation.
Does Myrtle Beach have a golf cart?
Known more for golf courses and strip clubs, Myrtle Beach also has a vibrant off-course, off-strip club, golf cart ecosystem. Most of the residential golf course communities are set up for locals to use their own golf carts to play golf and even to get around the community. Golf carts are popular for taking the kids to the beach – and many beaches have golf cart only parking spaces making life easy for golf cart owners.
Do people own golf carts?
People all over the United States now own personal golf carts and use them as their preferred way to travel. Neighborhood Electric Vehicles (NEV), Low-Speed Vehicles (LSV), Personal Transport Vehicles (PTV), even some refer to them as Golf Cars – no matter what you call them, they are a fun, safe, and convenient way to get from point A to point B.
Is Palm Desert a golf cart parade?
The population of the city doubles almost every decade, and the number of golf carts around town is growing even faster. In 2016, the Palm Desert Golf Cart Parade celebrated its 54th anniversary. Today, this small town parade is widely considered the world’s largest golf cart parade.
How old do you have to be to drive a golf cart in Tampa?
An operator must be at least 14 under state law, but in some communities — including Davis Islands — the minimum age is set at 16 and a drivers license is required. The penalty for failing to follow the law in driving a golf cart is around $160 across the Tampa Bay area. Enforcement, though, is rare.
How many golf carts are there in Sun City Center?
Today, Bowker estimates, there are well over 3,000 golf carts among Sun City Center's 6,000 households.
How many people have been dinged in Tampa?
In the city of Tampa, 31 people have been dinged during the last five years, but most just got a warning — and most of those were issued on Davis Islands before the community won designation as a golf cart community in January 2018, said Hegarty, the police spokesman.
Is a golf cart dangerous?
The answer is, it depends. Standard golf carts "lack the kinds of safety features that we rely on in our vehicles," Tampa police spokesman Steve Hegarty said. "And the fact that they are much slower creates a dangerous situation for those in the golf cart as well as for motorists in standard vehicles.".
Does Gary Payne drive a car?
Published Mar. 18, 2019. TAMPA — Gary Payne has a car, but he prefers zipping around Davis Islands in a golf cart. He drives it to restaurants, stores and the park. "I take it to watch the sunset and the cruise ships come in," Payne said. "It's easier than loading into the car. Golf carts are everywhere here.". And there, too.
Is Temple Terrace FL a golf cart friendly community?
In the city of Tampa, Davis Islands is the one community covered by a golf cart ordinance. Temple Terrace started out as a golf community and they're legal there, too. Golf cart-friendly communities in unincorporated Hillsborough County include Sun City Center and Twin Branch Acres.
Do you need a seatbelt for a golf cart?
Even in a golf cart-designated community, headlights, brake lights, a turn signal, and a windshield are required, but a seat belt is not on the list.
What is the speed limit for a golf cart in Florida?
Golf carts are defined in section 320.01 (22), Florida Statutes, as “a motor vehicle that is designed and manufactured for operation on a golf course for sporting or recreational purposes and that is not capable of exceeding speeds of 20 miles per hour.” Golf carts may be operated on roadways that are designated for golf carts with a posted speed limit of 30 mph or less. Golf carts may also cross a portion of a county road which intersects a roadway that is approved for golf carts, or that intersects a golf course or mobile home park. In both examples the roadway should have signs posted that golf carts share the roadway. The operation of golf carts on roads must comply with any more restrictive ordinances enacted by local government and should be verified prior to operating these vehicles.
How fast can a golf cart go in Florida?
LSV’s are any four-wheeled vehicle whose top speed is greater than 20 mph but less than 25 mph and comply with federal safety standards. They look like golf carts, but have safety equipment (headlamps, turn signals, mirrors, etc.) that make them safer on the roads. Florida Statute § 316.2122 governs their use. You have to register an LSV and hold proper insurance for it. Once you have that, they are “street legal” on roads that have a 35 mph speed limit or less UNLESS a governing body prohibits them from specific streets. However, you must have a valid driver license to operate LSV’s in Florida.
What is the minimum age to operate a golf cart?
One more detail: The minimum age for a golf cart operator is 14”.
How old do you have to be to drive a golf cart?
Golf carts must meet other safety standards to be considered “street legal” as well. And finally, you must be over 14 years of age to operate a golf cart on any road regardless of whether it is a city, county, or state road, according to Taylor & Taylor Law Firm.
What factors are considered when determining a golf cart?
Factors such as the volume and speed of traffic that ordinarily uses the road are considered in making this designation. If the designation is made, the county or municipality in charge is accountable for posting signs that say that golf cart used is allowed. Carts are also permissible for use by municipal and state recreation ...
What is the maximum speed of a four wheeler in Florida?
Section 320.01 (41), Florida Statutes, defines LSVs as “any four-wheeled vehicle whose top speed is greater than 20 miles per hour, but not greater than 25 miles per hour.” LSVs must be registered, titled and insured with personal injury protection (PIP) and property damage liability (PDL) insurance. Any person operating an LSV must have a valid driver license in their immediate possession.
Can you drive a golf cart on a city road?
There are some exceptions, but you shouldn’t plan on it. If the road is a county or city road (NOT part of the State Highway System), counties, cities, and municipalities are authorized to permit golf carts on certain roadways IF 1) it is safe and 2) the city or county posts signs allowing their use.
