Golf carts
sponsored by Rep. Cyndi Stevenson, RSt. Johns, that officially bans young drivers from public streets.
Prior to that legislation, section 316.212 of Florida Statutes prohibited the operation of a golf cart on public roads or streets with some exceptions like in residential neighborhoods or crossing highways if it divides a subdivision, trailer park or golf course.
HB 949 amended Section 316.212 to read that golf carts can be operated on county roads that are owned and maintained by a water control district and that road has been designated by the water control district.
Approval for the designation must be granted from the county where the road is located.
Where can I drive my golf cart in Florida?
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 that intersects a roadway that is approved for golf carts, or that intersects a golf course or mobile home park.
Is there any age limit for driving a golf cart?
Under the new law, you must be at least 15 with a learner’s permit or 16 with a driver’s license before you may legally drive a golf cart on public roads. If you’re 18 and older, you have to have valid government-issued identification.
What happens if you are found operating a golf cart without identification?
Anyone found violating Florida’s new golf cart law (or committing other violations such as speeding, failing to yield or running a stop sign) may be charged with a noncriminal traffic violation, similar to a moving violation, punishable under chapter 318 of the Florida Statutes.
Depending on the nature of the violation you can be charged fines of varying amounts. Other civil penalties or community service may be assigned by the court depending on the severity of the violation or any damages, injuries or fatalities resulting from it.
There may also be additional court costs.
Can you get a DWI while driving a golf cart?
Yes. Florida Statutes define a vehicle as a “device in, upon, or by which any person or property is or may be transported or drawn upon a highway, except personal delivery devices and devices used exclusively upon stationary rails or tracks.”
Is it legal for children to drive golf carts in Florida at all?
While there is an age limit for drivers on public roads, the statute does not mention restrictions for private properties. It is unclear if it is illegal for drivers under 15 years old to operate a golf cart on private property under the new law.
Do you have to have insurance or a license plate on a street-legal golf cart in Florida?
Golf carts are not required to be titled or registered and, therefore, are not required to be insured with Personal injury protection (PIP) and Property Damage Liability (PDL) insurance coverage
Can you drive a golf cart at night in Florida?
Unless your local government has permitted night driving and the golf cart is fitted with headlights, brake lights, turn signals, and a windshield, golf carts may only be driven during the day.
Contributing: Brandon Girod, Pensacola News Journal