Can golf carts be operated on private roads in associations?
Consequently, Associations are faced with questions such as whether Golf Carts can be operated on private roads in Associations, what laws govern Golf Cart use, and how an Association should regulate and create policy to control the use of Golf Carts in the community.
What is a golf cart under Florida law?
Florida law defines a “ Golf Cart ” 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.”
Can two people ride in the same golf cart?
Perhaps that’s a bold proclamation, but two people riding in the same cart, crisscrossing and bumbling all over the course is inherently inefficient. For a game with a pace-of-play problem, a solution can’t come soon enough.
Can I Ban golf carts in my community?
If an Association wishes to regulate, or even permanently ban the operation of Golf Carts within the community, we recommend an amendment to its Use Restrictions to include the desired Golf Cart rules and regulations, including requirements and prohibitions.
Is a golf cart considered a recreational vehicle in Florida?
[9] Golf carts are not recreational vehicles because Florida law defines each type of recreational vehicle separately from the golf cart definition. Operation of golf carts on state and county roads that have been designated for use by golf cart and on self-contained retirement communities is allowed.
Does Florida require golf carts to be registered?
Golf carts are not required to be titled or registered and, therefore, are not required to be insured with PIP and PDL insurance coverage. Golf cart operators are not required to have a driver license; however, to operate a golf cart on designated public roadways, a person must be 14 years or older.
Is it worth it to buy your own golf cart?
All around, a golf cart is just super affordable and can be very easy on your wallet! Fuel Savings: You will save a tremendous amount of money on gas when you own a golf cart. Since most golf carts are powered solely by electricity, you will have no need to buy fuel to use them at all.
Why do golf carts hold their value?
Golf cart everywhere A product that is accepted by the majority in a market will hold its value because there will always be someone interested in buying what you have. The golf cart has universal application as it can be used by both old and young, rich and poor.
Does Florida require golf cart insurance?
What are Florida's golf cart insurance requirements? Florida doesn't require insurance for golf carts. But low-speed vehicles, or LSVs, are a separate category from golf carts in Florida and are required to have minimum liability coverage.
How much is golf cart insurance in Florida?
between $70-$150 per yearIf 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.
Are gas or electric golf carts better?
Reliability: Both carts are very reliable, but newer electrics do generally last longer than gas. On an electric cart, there are fewer parts and therefore fewer parts to go bad. with a gas cart, you have clutches, carb, fuel pump, belts, valves, starter and more.
Do golf carts have titles?
The bottom line is that standard golf carts do not have titles. But, if they are modified to become an LSV then you must obtain a certificate of title.
How long do golf cart batteries last?
That all being said, properly maintained battery packs in fleet carts tend to last about 4-6 years while private owners tend to get about 6-10 years out of their battery packs. Other major factors include the type of options on the cart that may increase the draw from the battery pack.
Does the age of a golf cart matter?
Believe it or not, most older golf carts are like a delicious fine wine: They just get better with age! Some however, can be sour grapes! It is very important to take the age of the golf cart that you are looking to buy into consideration.
Can you negotiate when buying a new golf cart?
Q: Can I haggle on golf cart prices? The effectiveness of price haggling will vary depending on the dealer whom you visit. Some dealers will knock a little money off the price of the cart if they think that they can make a deal with you. Others may be stricter and may be less willing to negotiate on cart price.
Do golf carts lose value?
CONS of Buying Brand New: The only real downside to buying a new golf cart is the fact that they lose a majority of their value as soon as you haul it off the lot, like any brand new vehicle.
What is a golf cart used for?
Golf Carts, in addition to the obvious use on the golf course, are increasingly being used for short-distance trips in communities as an alternative to the family car, for example, carrying children and pets from home to the club house or recreation center.
What is the law in Florida for golf carts?
Additionally, Florida law restricts operation of Golf Carts to the hours between sunrise and sunset, and requires Golf Carts to be “equipped with efficient brakes, reliable steering apparatus, safe tires, a rearview mirror, and red reflectorized warning devices in both the front and rear. ”. [12]
Do you need a driver's license to operate a golf cart in Florida?
[10] . Accordingly, Golf Carts can be operated without the requirement of a driver’s license or insurance. However, there is a minimum age requirement.
Is a golf cart an electric vehicle?
Accordingly, a golf cart running on a rechargeable battery is a type of electric vehicle but not all electric vehicles are golf carts or low-speed vehicles (i.e., those that exceed 20 mph are electric vehicles but not golf carts). [5]
Can golf carts be used in an association?
Golf Carts share an Association’s common element roads with other motor vehicles, bicycles, pedestrians and animals, creating the potential for liability for an Association. Whether or not to allow Golf Carts and how best to regulate them is a decision faced by Associations with increasing frequency. Consequently, Associations are faced ...
Is a golf cart considered a utility vehicle in Florida?
Emphasis added). Golf Carts are not utility vehicles because Florida law excludes golf carts from the utility vehicle definition. A “ Recreational Vehicle ,” (a/k/a an “RV”), is a “recreational vehicle-type unit primarily designed as temporary living quarters for recreational, camping, or travel use, which either has its own motive power ...
Can you use a golf cart on a private road in Florida?
Florida law allows Golf Carts to be operated on private roads, subject to the Association’s restrictions and other applicable governing laws. Associations which choose to allow them should implement rules and regulations for their use, including registration with the Association; proof of insurance which names the Association as an additional ...
What was the charge against the golf cart driver?
The golf cart driver, who lives in the community along with two of the other children, was charged with operating a motor vehicle in a careless or negligent manner as well as failure to yield to the right of way.
How old do you have to be to drive a golf cart at Seven Bridges?
In fact, according to the Seven Bridges community’s governing documents filed with the clerk of courts, Seven Bridges requires a golf cart driver to be at least 16 years old and carry a valid driver’s license. If enforcement of this rule was lax, potential liability could be alleged.