Rules for driving golf carts continue to evolve in Florida

In response to the growing number of golf cart communities in the state, Florida has passed different laws enacting stricter regulations for golf cart drivers around the state.

Under this legislation, there are rules determining both who can drive golf carts and where they can be driven.

According to Florida statute, a golf cart is defined as a motor vehicle designed for operation on golf courses, intended for sporting and recreational use, with a maximum speed capacity of 20 miles per hour. Notably, golf carts do not require insurance for operation.

Golf cart vs. low-speed vehicle: What's the difference?

It is essential to distinguish golf carts from low-speed vehicles. Low-speed vehicles are capable of driving between 20 and 25 miles per hour and can legally operate on roads with speed limits up to 35 miles per hour. Golf carts, on the other hand, are limited to speeds under 20 miles per hour and can only be driven on roads with a maximum 30 miles per hour speed limit.

State law already mandates a valid driver's license, title, and registration for low-speed vehicles.

The law passed last year expanded the rules for golf cart drivers bringing them more in line with other vehicles but didn't go as far as requiring driver's licenses to operate.

Is it legal for a 14-year-old to drive a golf cart in Florida?

Under a recent Florida statute, golf cart drivers under 18 must be at least 15 with a learner's permit or 16 with a driver's license. Drivers 18 and older only require a valid government-issued ID.

Underage drivers who violate the law now face noncriminal traffic violations, similar to moving violations.

Florida statute requires local golf cart rules

In addition to implementing golf cart-friendly roads, cities like Cocoa Beach and Cape Canaveral have introduced registration fees for golf carts driven on roadways. Golf cart owners are required to pay these fees to the city, helping to fund infrastructure improvements and ensure the safety of all road users.

In Cape Canaveral, for example, the initial registration fee for a golf cart is $150, with an annual renewal fee of $100. These fees are necessary to cover the administrative costs associated with registering and monitoring golf carts on city roads.

Those cities like Cocoa Beach and Cape Canaveral have already taken steps to accommodate the increased use of golf carts. In fact, both cities have adopted maps designating certain roads as "golf cart friendly," allowing residents to use golf carts as an alternative mode of transportation.

State statute requires city and county governments to designated certain roadways as suitable for golf carts while barring the vehicles from other roads.

Tyler Vazquez is the Brevard County watchdog reporter at FLORIDA TODAY. Contact Vazquez at 321-480-0854 or [email protected].

This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Golf cart laws are evolving for teens in Florida, Brevard County