New Florida Law Raises Age for Golf Cart Drivers

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has recently signed a new golf cart law in Florida that imposes new regulations on young people driving golf carts. Under this new legislation, Florida teens will now be required to have proper identification in order to legally operate a golf cart on streets and roads. The aim of the new law is to address the rising concerns surrounding accidents involving golf carts with underage drivers.

According to a study from the American Academy of Pediatrics, over 6,500 children suffer injuries in golf-cart-related incidents annually. Tragically, in 2021, a 15-year-old in St. Johns County nearly lost their life while operating a golf cart. These alarming statistics prompted local Florida Representative Cyndi Stevenson, who recognized the urgency to protect everyone using Florida roadways, to introduce House Bill 949.

Proper Identification for Driving a Golf Cart

So, how old do you have to be to drive a golf cart in Flordia? Under the previous law, 14-year-olds were allowed to operate golf carts on public roads. However, under the new bill, the legal age to drive a golf cart in Florida has changed. Individuals under 18 must now be at least 15 years old with a learner's permit or 16 years old with a driver's license. Additionally, anyone aged 18 or older must possess a valid government-issued photo ID to drive a golf cart. These stricter guidelines aim to ensure the safety of young drivers and reduce the likelihood of accidents.

The new Florida golf cart law serves as a reminder of the importance of responsible driving, even in seemingly harmless vehicles like low-speed golf carts. House Bill 949 serves as a crucial step in ensuring the safety of young drivers and reducing the number of accidents on Florida roads. By raising the minimum age for driving golf carts and implementing stricter identification requirements, legislators felt we could protect the well-being of our youth while promoting safer communities for everyone.

According to State Senator Erin Grall (Republican District 29), the sponsor of the Senate version of the bill, the existing Florida state law posed obstacles for local governments that wished to implement their own regulations to increase the minimum age requirement. The age-restrictive bill that changed the legal age to drive a golf cart in Florida, which Gov. DeSantis signed, will go into effect on October 1, 2023. Non-compliant drivers can be ticketed for noncriminal traffic violations.

Operation of Golf Carts on Florida Roadways

Historically, golf carts were intended for use on-course in Florida but over the past twenty years these nimble low-speed vehicles have taken to the streets. With global pressure to find more environmentally-friendly modes of daily transportation, pseudo-street legal versions of the golf cart have popped up in low-speed communities from resorts to town centers. Finally, new golf cart laws in Florida appear to be catching up with the operation of golf carts on roadways.

Generally speaking, a conventional golf cart must stay off Florida roadways. However, any legal driver may operate a conventional golf cart on a county road or a municipal street that has been designated for use by golf carts. But, there should be appropriate signage indicating such operation is allowed. An amended section to Florida Statute 316.212 also allows golf carts to cross highways that divide a subdivision, trailer park or golf course at a designated intersection.

Unless otherwise indicated by local or municipal ordinances, golf carts may only be operated on local streets during daylight hours between sunrise and sunset. To be considered street legal in the Sunshine State, a golf cart, low-speed electric vehicle (LSV) or neighborhood electric vehicle (NEV) must be equipped stop lamps, turn signals, headlights, taillights, parking brakes, rearview mirrors, windshield, seat belts, VIN numbers, and red reflectorized warning devices.

When can you not drive a cart in Florida...

Street legal vehicles are defined by Florida Statute 320.01(42) as any four-wheeled electric-powered vehicles whose top speed is greater than 20 miles per hour but not greater than 25 miles per hour. Current regulations only permit street legal golf carts, low-speed vehicles and neighborhood vehicles on roads with a maximum speed limit of 35 mph. Golf carts are not considered street-legal vehicles for use on roads with a posted speed limit over 35 mph.

Under Florida Statutes, street legal golf carts, LSVs and NEVs are considered to be legal low-speed vehicles and are not allowed on sidewalks (unless the sidewalk is specifically designated as a cart path) or bicycle paths. It is also unlawful for anyone operating a golf cart or low-speed vehicle on the street or while riding as a passenger in the vehicle to possess an open container of an alcoholic beverage or to consume an alcoholic beverage. Getting caught can result in a hefty fine.

Today’s street legal golf carts are often a conventional golf cart that has been converted to a low-speed vehicle (LSV). Even though the distinction in classification may not be apparent at first glance, once an electric cart is converted to a street-legal low-speed vehicle it has the same status as an automobile and must abide by all traffic laws including VINs, title, tag registration and insurance. LSVs require minimum personal injury and personal damage liability protection.

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Laws and statutes that govern street legal golf carts, low-speed vehicles, and neighborhood electric vehicles  will continue to evolve across the country and can suddenly change based on your location, so check with knowledgeable local authorities to ensure you are 100% legal. Contact Brett Jackrel, Sales Manager of MotoEV, to discuss your needs for a street legal golf cart for your personal use.