Yes, we all know what a golf cart is - in the general sense. But, for purposes of Florida Law, a "Golf Cart" has a limited, specifically defined meaning. Florida Law defines a "Golf Cart" as a motor vehicle that is designed and manufactured for operation on a golf course for sporting or recreational purposes that is incapable of going faster than 20 miles per hour.

While the operation of Golf Carts on public roads or streets is generally prohibited within Florida that prohibition has been lifted within a number of self-contained retirement communities, including Sun City Center, where all streets are approved for Golf Cart use by anyone age 14 and up.

Golf Cart Community Safety

Sun City Center permits the operation of Golf Carts between sunrise and sunset. For safety reasons, Golf Carts may not be operated at night. The only safety features that Golf Carts are required to have are efficient brakes, reliable steering, safe tires, a rearview mirror, and red reflectors on the front and rear. It's not necessary to have a valid drivers' license, nor is it required to register Golf Carts with the Florida Division of Motor Vehicles or have a Florida vehicle License Plate. There is also no requirement that the driver or owner have any insurance coverage(although, as we will cover in an upcoming installment, we strongly advise against not having insurance). The rules we are describing are those in effect in Sun City Center as of the date of this post, however, it is important to keep in mind that the specific rules that apply to Golf Cart usage may vary from one community to the next and can change from time to time.

Who Can Drive in Golf Cart Communities?

Sun City Center and similar communities allow retirees who no longer have a drivers' license or who no longer want to own an automobile to be able to maintain their independence and easily get from place to place within their self-contained community by Golf Cart. It's easy to see how these communities can be especially helpful to seniors who can no longer drive an automobile due to health or other issues, but who do not want to lose their independence or have to rely on others for transportation.

Low Speed Vehicles or LSV

Our next post will explain what a "Low Speed Vehicle" or "LSV" is, what the term "street legal" means, and how certain upgrades can transform a Golf Cart into a "street legal" Low Speed Vehicle. Heintz & Becker is providing this information for our readers who either own a Golf Cart or a Low Speed Vehicle or who are considering buying one. Make sure to continue to follow our blogs for more valuable information on this and other important topics and remember that our experienced accident attorneys are here to help with your injury-related claims.

Source(s): TBO.com, "SCC golf cart driving exemption a privilege, not entitlement", posted January 6, 2016; Baby Boomer Retirement, "Golf Cart Friendly Retirement Communities", posted March 24, 2013; SunCityCenter.org, "Greater Sun City Center Golf Cart Drivers Handbook";Florida Driver License Handbook