One option is to convert the golf cart into a car: Add seat belts, turn signals, a parking brake, exterior windows, a windshield, tail and head lamps, and a power train that can reach 20 to 25 mph, then take it for inspection to a Motor Services Regional Office and obtain a registration and insurance.
Full Answer
Are golf carts allowed on public streets in Florida?
The Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that in 2017, an estimated 17,800 injuries treated in emergency rooms were associated with the use of golf carts. Still, Florida allows them on certain public streets under certain conditions.
Do you need insurance to operate a golf cart in Florida?
The insurance can usually be an add-on to standard Florida minimum requirements for operating registered vehicles. Having coverage is especially necessary for those adults who plan on allowing their teenaged children to operate a cart regularly. What Are the LSV Laws in Florida?
Why move to Sun City Center?
It is exciting to live somewhere only people of your age group reside and that makes moving to Sun City Center, Florida, a 55+ planned community just south of Tampa special.
How old do you have to be to drive a golf cart?
As soon as a person turns 14 years of age, they are legally allowed to drive a golf cart in the state of Florida. Driving a cart comes with some serious restrictions.
Do golf carts need tags in Florida?
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.
Can I drive a golf cart in my neighborhood in Florida?
(1) A golf cart may be operated only upon a county road that has been designated by a county, a municipal street that has been designated by a municipality, or a two-lane county road located within the jurisdiction of a municipality designated by that municipality, for use by golf carts.
What does a golf cart need to be street legal in Florida?
A golf cart must be equipped with efficient brakes, reliable steering apparatus, safe tires, a rearview mirror, and red reflectorized warning devices in both the front and rear. A golf cart may not be operated on public roads or streets by any person under the age of 14.
Do you have to have a driver's license to drive a golf cart around town?
Anyone who is above 12 years of age can operate a golf cart as long as they are accompanied by a licensed driver who is an adult. You need to have a valid driver's license or permit to drive a golf cart alone.
Can you drive golf carts on the sidewalk 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.
Can you drive a golf cart in Florida with a permit?
Age requirements In Florida, you do not need a valid driver's license to operate a golf cart. The state does not impose age restrictions for operating a golf cart while on a golf course. But a golf cart driver has to be over 14 years old when crossing a public road designated for golf carts.
How much is it to register a golf cart in Florida?
It is important that you understand the rules and regulations governing the operation of golf carts. Information on applicable city ordinances and State Traffic Laws will be provided to you during the golf cart inspection. 5. A $25.00 registration fee will be required at the time of inspection.
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.
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 old do you have to be to drive a golf cart in Florida?
What Are the Golf Cart Laws in Florida? As soon as a person turns 14 years of age, they are legally allowed to drive a golf cart in the state of Florida. Driving a cart comes with some serious restrictions. Carts are relegated to specific types of roads, and they can only be on the road at certain times.
How fast can a low speed car go in Florida?
The statute in the state of Florida says that a LSV must be four-wheeled, electric and able to go over 20 mph. It must also not exceed 25 mph.
How old do you have to be to drive a low speed vehicle?
Even when equipped with lights, many communities restrict the use of low-speed vehicles at night. A driver must be licensed and 16 years of age to operate a low-speed vehicle. The vehicle itself must pass inspection first, especially since a lot of people like to modify their vehicle as much as possible.
Do golf carts need insurance?
When a golf cart falls under this category , it must have an official tag issued from the DMV. Drivers are also required to carry insurance. Other than the speed of the vehicle, a low-speed vehicle is viewed the same as a car, truck or van (in the eyes of the law).
Is Florida a low speed state?
With many retirement communities scattered around the Sunshine State, Florida is a hotbed for golf carts and low-speed vehicles (LSVs). The state has recently put into place laws for both golf carts and low-speed vehicles. Before a person purchases a new vehicle to get around, it is essential to know all the rules and regulations in the state.
Do you need insurance for a cart in Florida?
The insurance can usually be an add-on to standard Florida minimum requirements for operating registered vehicles. Having coverage is especially necessary for those adults who plan on allowing their teenaged children to operate a cart regularly.
Do you need a driver's license to drive a golf cart?
Despite not needing a formal driver’s license, drivers are still liable for damage the same way a standard driver would be. That also means that a driver can face the same type of punishment as they would in their car if they operate the golf cart under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
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 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 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.
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.
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.
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.".
Legal Age To Drive A Golf Cart In Florida
Apparently, at least 14 years old. Yes, that’s the least for age requirement and no, you don’t need any license for that. Also, keep in mind that this is about designated public roadways area.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it’s not necessary for golf cart operators to have a driving license. But just like I said Earlier, you must be at least 14 years old or more. Also in some cases, with speed limitations, one may need to have a special driving license. But that’s not the general ruling.
Wrap Up
And that was about how old do you have to be to drive a golf cart in Florida. Make sure you are not crossing the decided ruling to play it safe. Also, if you are going to the location for a vacation, then go for golf carts that come with optimal condition batteries to drive without a problem.
We will see the pros and cons of living in Sun City Center in detail
One of the best things about Sun City Center is the climate. The city experiences annually 244 days of sunshine plus 54 inches of rain, which is twice the national average. The perfect combination of rain and sun keeps the area lush with green.
What are the HOA fees in Sun City Center, Florida?
Homeowner Association fees inside Sun City Center are a modest $300 per year (just $25 per month).
Are Emergency Squad and Security Patrol part of the Sun City Center Community Association?
No. They are independent 501 (c) (3) organizations that depend heavily on volunteers from Sun City Center.
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.