Florida Golf Cart Laws
Not legal advice. This is a summary of state laws, not legal advice. Laws change — verify with your local DMV before driving. Last verified: March 2026.
- Minimum Age
- 14
- License Required
- No
- Max Speed
- 35 mph
- Allowed Roads
- Designated golf cart paths and communities, Roads posted at 30 mph or less when crossing at intersections, County-designated golf cart streets
- Permitted Hours
- Daylight hours only unless equipped with proper lighting
Florida law permits golf carts on public roads in specific designated areas — primarily roads within planned communities, retirement communities, and golf course developments that have been officially designated for golf cart use. Golf carts are distinct from Low Speed Vehicles (LSVs) under Florida law: LSVs are federally regulated, must meet FMVSS standards, and can be titled and registered for broader road use. Golf carts cannot be operated on roads with posted speed limits above 35 mph unless crossing at a designated intersection. Drivers must be at least 14 years old, though no driver's license is required on designated golf cart routes.
F.S. § 316.212 Operation of Golf Carts on Certain Roadways
A golf cart may be operated on a public road or street only as provided in this section. A golf cart may be operated only during the hours between sunrise and sunset, except that a golf cart may be operated during the hours between sunset and sunrise if the golf cart is equipped with headlamps, stop lamps, turn signal lamps, tail lamps, reflex reflectors, parking brakes, and rearview mirrors.
— F.S. § 316.212
Golf carts may only be operated on a public road or street if: (1) the road is within a subdivision and the local government has approved golf cart operation; (2) crossing a road at an intersection; or (3) the road has been specifically designated for golf cart use by local ordinance. When crossing a divided highway, golf carts may only cross at intersections. Golf carts may not be operated on a public road or street with a posted speed limit greater than 35 mph unless crossing at a designated intersection.
F.S. § 320.01(22) Definition of Golf Cart
Florida statute defines a golf cart as a vehicle designed and manufactured for operation on a golf course for sporting or recreational purposes that is not capable of exceeding speeds of 20 miles per hour. This definition is critical because it separates golf carts from Low Speed Vehicles (LSVs, defined separately under § 320.01(41)), which can travel up to 25 mph and must meet federal motor vehicle safety standards. The distinction determines which roads each vehicle type can legally access.
F.S. § 316.2123 Operation of Golf Carts on Certain Roads — Local Ordinance Designation
A county or municipality may, by ordinance, designate certain roads under its jurisdiction as golf cart roads. Before such designation, the local government must determine that the speed limit on the road is 30 mph or less and the road is being used predominantly as a golf cart crossing or community path. This is the legal mechanism that allows Florida retirement communities and beach towns to authorize golf cart use on local streets.