GOLF CART LAWS IN FLORIDA IN 2024

A simple guide to golf cart laws in Florida in 2024 by a golf cart attorney.

HOW OLD DO YOU HAVE TO BE TO DRIVE A GOLF CART IN FLORIDA?

Previously 14, but in 2024 the operator must be at least 15 years old and the 15 year-old must have a learner’s permit. A 16 year-old with a driver’s license is permitted to operate a golf cart in Florida. Anyone 18 or older must be able to show a government issued photo ID.

WHERE CAN A GOLF CART BE DRIVEN IN FLORIDA?

Many news outlets say it is legal to drive on roads of no more than 30 mph or 35 mph depending upon whether the vehicle is a golf cart or low speed vehicle (a/k/a “LSV”).  That’s misleading and wrong. Take it from a golf cart attorney at www.GolfCartAttorney.com: The roadway must be approved by the local city or municipality to be legal to drive a golf cart or LSV upon it. The fact that a speed limit on a particular road is only 30 or 35 mph does not automatically make it street legal to drive a golf cart or LSV on it. Many cities and municipalities have maps that show you where you can and cannot drive a golf cart or LSV. (See our www.GolfCartAttorney.com blog for maps of many major golf cart friendly cities.)

Specific subdivisions may have their own rules about driving a golf cart or LSV.

CAN A GOLF CART BE OPERATED ON A SIDEWALK IN FLORIDA?

Not legally unless the sidewalk is designated as a golf cart path by the local city or municipality. Also, check with the subdivision rules if you are in a specific subdivision.

HOW FAST CAN A GOLF CART LEGALLY GO IN FLORIDA?

Florida recognizes two types of golf carts. One is simply known as a “golf cart”, and it can have a maximum speed of 20 mph. The second type of golf cart is a low speed vehicle (“LSV”), sometimes called a golf “car”, which can have a maximum speed of 25 mph. Neighborhoods and subdivisions may have their own rules on maximum speed, and of course on golf courses, school zones, and other safety zones, etc.

CAN A PERSON GET A DUI DRIVING A GOLF CART IN FLORIDA?

Unquestionably yes. And it does not matter if it is a golf cart, a low speed vehicle (LSV), neighborhood electric vehicle (NEV), or even a bicycle, yes a person can get a DUI driving any of these in Florida.

IS A LICENSE PLATE AND INSURANCE REQUIRED ON A GOLF CART IN FLORIDA?

For golf carts, No.  For LSVs, yes to both. The minimum insurance on an LSV is the same as for an automobile in Florida, and that is carrying PIP (also known as No Fault insurance) and property damage coverage. Additionally, if the vehicle is an LSV (one that can travel up to 25 mph) then the LSV also needs all the following safety features of a vehicle:

Headlights, Tail lights, Turn Signals, Rear View Mirror, Seatbelts, Windshield, Horn, and Tag. It must also be registered with the State of Florida. It essentially has the same status as an automobile. Golf Carts are not required to be titled or registered with the State of Florida. Golf Carts are not required to have the PIP insurance of Property Damage coverage.

Neither LSVs nor golf carts are required to carry bodily injury insurance but the owner should do so. “BI” insurance covers the owner and driver when the golf cart or LSV causes physical damage to another person. (For injuries inflicted upon a pedestrian, bicyclist, passengers of other golf carts, etc.) A golf cart or LSV owner should carry uninsured motorist (“UM”) coverage in case they are struck by a person with no insurance or insufficient insurance. In Florida there is a high rate of auto drivers driving without any insurance or enough insurance.

HERE IS THE FLORIDA STATUTE THAT DEFINES GOLF CARTS:

Florida Statute 320.01(41).

HERE IS THE FLORIDA STATUTE THAT DEFINES LSVs:

Florida Statute 320.01(22).

The lawyers at www.GolfCartAttorney.com have been handling golf cart injury cases for more than 25 years. For legal representation and legal advice regarding your family’s golf cart injury case do not trust media sources or dog bite attorneys. Much of the information on the internet about golf cart laws in Florida is incorrect. Here is 1 example: Multiple news sources announced that a golf cart could travel on any road that has a speed limit of 30 mph or less. That is false. The roadway must also be approved by the city or municipality to be used by a golf cart. Golf cart laws are different than those for automobiles. You can have confidence in our 25 years experience here successfully recovering for golf cart accident victims for.

Contact Us Now To Get Started On Your Golf Cart Injury Case.

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