The Complete Florida Golf Cart Ownership Guide

Learn everything you need to know about owning, operating, registering, and insuring a golf cart in Florida.

Is a Golf Cart Right for You?

Golf carts aren't just for golf courses anymore.

They're commonly used in:

  • Master-planned communities

  • Beach towns

  • Retirement communities

  • Campgrounds

  • Resorts

  • Neighborhoods with designated golf cart routes

Before buying, think about:

  • Where you'll drive it

  • How often you'll use it

  • Storage space

  • Charging or fueling needs

  • Local community rules

  • Insurance

Golf Cart vs. Low-Speed Vehicle (LSV)

Many people confuse golf carts with Low-Speed Vehicles (LSVs), but Florida law treats them differently.

Golf Cart- A golf cart is generally designed to travel at speeds of 20 mph or less and is primarily intended for use on golf courses or where local ordinances allow.

Low-Speed Vehicle (LSV)- An LSV can travel between 20 and 25 mph and must meet federal safety standards, including:

  • Headlights

  • Brake lights

  • Turn signals

  • Seat belts

  • Windshield

  • Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)

LSVs must be titled, registered, and insured before being driven on public roads.

Understanding the difference is important before making a purchase.

Where Can You Drive a Golf Cart?

Golf cart use depends on local ordinances.

In many Florida communities, golf carts may be operated on designated local roads where permitted by the city or county.

Always check local regulations before driving on public streets.

Do You Need a Driver's License?

Florida law generally does not require a driver's license to operate a traditional golf cart on roads where golf carts are legally permitted.

However:

  • Local governments may impose additional rules.

  • Different requirements apply to Low-Speed Vehicles (LSVs).

  • Operators should always understand local ordinances before driving.

Do Golf Carts Need to Be Registered?

Traditional golf carts generally do not require:

  • Registration

  • License plates

  • Vehicle titles

However, Low-Speed Vehicles (LSVs) do require:

  • Florida title

  • Registration

  • License plate

  • Insurance

Do You Need Insurance?

Florida law generally does not require insurance for traditional golf carts.

However, insurance can help protect against:

  • Property damage

  • Bodily injury liability

  • Theft

  • Collision damage

  • Storm damage

  • Vandalism

Many homeowners are surprised to learn that a homeowners insurance policy may not fully cover golf carts used away from their property or in all situations. Reviewing your coverage with an insurance advisor can help you understand what protection you have and whether a separate golf cart policy makes sense.

A man and a woman are standing next to golf carts at a golf course or country club, with the man looking into the cart and the woman looking at him.

Safe Golf Cart Driving Tips

Even though golf carts travel at lower speeds, they still require responsible operation.

Always:

  • Wear seat belts if equipped.

  • Yield to pedestrians.

  • Obey local traffic signs.

  • Avoid distracted driving.

  • Never overload the vehicle.

  • Drive cautiously around cyclists and walkers.

  • Never operate under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Maintaining Your Golf Cart

Regular maintenance helps extend the life of your golf cart.

Remember to:

  • Charge batteries properly

  • Check tire pressure

  • Inspect brakes

  • Clean battery terminals

  • Wash regularly

  • Lubricate moving parts

  • Replace worn tires

  • Follow the manufacturer's maintenance schedule

A teenage girl driving a golf cart on a golf course, with a teenage boy sitting beside her. The background shows a golf course with trees, grass, and a house.
A woman cleaning a white golf cart outdoors near a house with tropical plants.

Choosing the Right Golf Cart

When shopping, consider:

  • Gas vs. electric

  • Two-, four-, or six-passenger models

  • Lift kits

  • Battery range

  • Storage

  • Seating

  • Weather enclosures

  • Safety features

Choose a model that fits how you plan to use it—not just how it looks.

Official Florida Resources

It’s Time to Protect Your Golf Cart.

Whether you use your golf cart to explore your neighborhood, head to the golf course, or enjoy life in one of Florida's many golf cart-friendly communities, protecting your investment is just as important as maintaining it.

The advisors at Ted Todd Insurance can help you understand your coverage options and determine whether your homeowners policy provides adequate protection or if dedicated golf cart insurance is right for you.

Get a Florida Golf Cart Insurance Quote

Your Questions, Answered

  • A golf cart is generally designed to travel at speeds of 20 mph or less and is typically used on golf courses or roads where local governments allow golf cart operation. A Low-Speed Vehicle (LSV) travels between 20 and 25 mph, must meet federal safety standards, and generally requires a title, registration, license plate, and insurance before being driven on public roads.

  • As of July 1, 2023, Florida law requires operators of golf carts on public roads to meet minimum age requirements. Drivers 15 years old must have a learner's permit, while drivers 16 years or older must have a valid driver's license. Check local ordinances, as communities may have additional rules.

  • No. Golf carts may only be operated on roads where state law and local ordinances permit their use. They are generally prohibited on most higher-speed roadways.

  • Traditional golf carts generally are not required to carry insurance under Florida law. However, that doesn't necessarily mean going without coverage is the best choice.

    Golf carts can be involved in accidents that result in property damage, injuries, or theft. They can also be damaged by storms, flooding, vandalism, or collisions—risks that are especially relevant in Florida. Depending on how and where you use your golf cart, your homeowners insurance policy may provide limited coverage or no coverage at all.

    A dedicated golf cart insurance policy can help provide protection for liability, physical damage, theft, and other covered losses. If you own a Low-Speed Vehicle (LSV), Florida law generally requires it to be titled, registered, and insured because it is treated more like a motor vehicle.

  • Traditional golf carts generally do not require license plates. Low-Speed Vehicles (LSVs), however, must be titled, registered, and display a valid Florida license plate.

  • Florida law sets minimum age and licensing requirements for operating golf carts on public roads. Parents should also check the rules of their community or homeowners association, which may be more restrictive.

  • Increasing a golf cart's speed may change how it is classified under Florida law. If modified to meet the definition of a Low-Speed Vehicle, additional equipment, registration, and insurance requirements may apply.

  • Electric golf carts are quieter, require less routine maintenance, and are popular in residential communities. Gas-powered models typically offer longer range and quicker refueling. The best choice depends on how and where you plan to use your golf cart.