TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – With Florida being a retirement haven, it’s not much of a surprise that golf carts are such a common sight in many parts of the state.
But with them being so prominent, it begs the question: are they street legal?
[BELOW: Trooper Steve explains the rules surrounding golf carts on the road]
For the most part, it’s forbidden to drive a golf cart on public roads in the state, though there are some exceptions under state law:
- County Roads: A county road or municipal street can be used if it has been properly designated by the local government for golf carts.
- Crossing the Highway: Golf carts can be used to cross portions of the State Highway System if they have been approved by the FDOT.
- State Parks: The State Park Road System can be used if the speed limit is 35 mph or less.
- Mobile Homes: Residents or guests of a single mobile home park may use golf carts to cross the street if the park is located on both sides of the street (again, with local approval).
It’s important to note that any areas approved for golf carts will have signs posted to indicate this. Furthermore, local governments can make even more restrictive rules for golf cart drivers.
[BELOW: Can I drive barefoot in Florida?]
That said, state law also prohibits people from driving golf carts after sunset unless a “responsible governmental entity” finds that a golf cart may be operated during this time.
A new bill passing through the Legislature could relax these regulations, though — at least a bit.
GOLF CART LEGISLATION
House Bill 519, which was filed back in November by state Rep. Bradford Yeager (R-New Port Richey), would expand when golf carts can be driven on roadways.
Under this proposal, a person may cross a highway using a golf cart at a signalized intersection so long as the following conditions are met:
- The intersection is located entirely within the boundaries of a single local government.
- That local government has designated the roadway that intersects with the highway as OK for golf carts.
- The local government has approved the operation of golf carts at the crosswalk and has posted appropriate signs at the intersection to indicate as much.
So far, HB 519 has managed to pass through two committees, meaning it has one more to go before it can get a full House vote.
If it gets approved by lawmakers and the governor, though, the bill is set to take effect on July 1.
[BELOW: Here’s how golf carts work at an intersection]