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    Golf Carts & Neighborhood Events: Florida’s New Age Rules And Where You Can Legally Drive In Hillsborough

    From pumpkin patch trips to neighborhood trick-or-treating, golf carts have become a go-to ride for families in Tampa Bay. They’re convenient, fun, and practical for short hops in the neighborhood. But many drivers don’t realize Florida’s golf cart laws recently changed. Whether you’re letting your teen drive down the block or cruising to a fall festival, it’s important to know what’s legal, and what could land you in trouble. If you have any issues, our Tampa, FL car accident lawyer is here to help.

    Florida’s New Golf Cart Age Rules

    As of October 1, 2023, Florida law tightened restrictions on who can drive a golf cart on public roads:

    • Under 18 years old: must have at least a learner’s permit or a driver’s license.
    • 18 and older: may operate a golf cart without a driver’s license.
    • Everyone on public streets: must carry a form of government-issued photo ID.

    This update came through Florida House Bill 949 (2023), amending Florida Statutes §316.212.

    Previously, minors as young as 14 could drive carts in some neighborhoods. Now, without a learner’s permit or driver’s license, it’s no longer allowed. Lawmakers made the change after a rise in golf cart-related injuries involving teens who had little road experience.

    Why Lawmakers Changed The Rules

    Florida is home to some of the largest golf cart communities in the country. The Villages alone has more than 60,000 carts in daily use. Hillsborough County neighborhoods like Sun City Center also rely heavily on golf carts for everyday trips. With so many carts on public roads, accidents were becoming too common.

    The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) estimates that about 15,000 golf cart-related injuries require emergency room visits every year in the U.S. Many involve children and teens. In Florida, where carts often share roads with full-size vehicles, those numbers are especially concerning.

    Lawmakers wanted to make certain younger drivers had at least some training and knowledge of road rules before getting behind the wheel, even in a golf cart.

    Where You Can (And Can’t) Drive A Golf Cart In Hillsborough

    Florida law doesn’t let golf carts operate everywhere. Instead, local governments decide which roads are open to carts, but with restrictions:

    • Roads must have a posted speed limit of 30 mph or less.
    • Signs must clearly show golf cart access.
    • Designations are often granted in master-planned communities, retirement neighborhoods, and certain rural areas.

    In Hillsborough County, residents can request road designations. County engineers look at speed limits, crash history, traffic volumes, and pedestrian activity before approving.

    This means that even if “everyone in the neighborhood” uses golf carts, unless the road has been officially designated, it’s not legal.

    Golf Carts Vs. Low-Speed Vehicles (LSVs)

    It’s easy to confuse a golf cart with a low-speed vehicle (LSV), but legally, they’re very different:

    • Golf Cart
      • Max speed: 20 mph
      • No title, registration, or insurance required
      • Operated only on designated roads
    • Low-Speed Vehicle (LSV)
      • Max speed: 25 mph
      • Must be titled, registered, and insured
      • Driver must hold a valid license
      • Can operate on roads with speed limits of 35 mph or less

    If you’ve added lights, turn signals, seatbelts, or speed upgrades, your cart may legally qualify as an LSV under Florida Statutes §320.01. That triggers insurance and registration requirements, even if you still call it “just a golf cart.”

    Liability And Accidents Involving Golf Carts

    Even at low speeds, golf cart accidents can cause serious injuries. Common scenarios include:

    • Collisions with cars at intersections where carts cross public roads.
    • Rollovers on uneven ground or when carts are overloaded.
    • Passenger falls when riders stand or hang off the back.
    • Holiday hazards, like Halloween night, when carts and trick-or-treaters mix in the dark.

    In Florida, liability is determined by negligence. If a driver lets an underage child drive, operates in a non-designated area, or fails to yield, they may be responsible for resulting injuries.

    How Insurance Works With Golf Carts

    One of the most confusing issues after a golf cart accident is insurance coverage.

    • Homeowner’s insurance: Some policies cover golf cart accidents, but usually only when the cart is being used on the insured’s property or within a limited distance.
    • Auto insurance: If the cart qualifies as an LSV, standard auto insurance is required.
    • Victim’s insurance: If a car is involved, the injured person’s PIP insurance may kick in, covering medical costs up to $10,000 under Florida Statutes §627.736.
    • Gaps in coverage: If none of the above apply, injured victims sometimes face difficulty finding coverage — another reason accidents can quickly become complicated.

    Real-Life Examples

    Neighborhood crashes: In Sun City Center, deputies routinely respond to golf cart collisions at intersections where carts and cars share space. Many result from drivers misunderstanding who has the right of way.

    Teen drivers: Before the law changed, Florida saw multiple accidents involving 14- and 15-year-olds operating carts in residential areas. Without basic traffic training, these teens made risky maneuvers like sudden left turns in front of cars.

    Fall events: During community Halloween events, families sometimes load up carts with children. In one Central Florida case, a child fell from a moving golf cart at night and suffered a head injury because the cart lacked proper restraints.

    Safety Tips For Families Using Golf Carts This Fall

    • Check credentials. Anyone under 18 must have a learner’s permit or license.
    • Stick to designated roads. Look for posted signs, and don’t assume “everyone does it” means it’s legal.
    • Light it up. Use headlights, reflective tape, or glow sticks when driving at dusk on Halloween.
    • Seat passengers properly. Never allow children to stand or ride on laps.
    • Don’t overload. Extra weight increases rollover risks.
    • Drive defensively. Assume cars don’t see you, especially at night.

    Wrapping Up: Golf Carts Are Convenient, But Not Risk Free

    Golf carts can make neighborhood events more fun and accessible, but only when used safely and legally. With Florida’s new age requirements and Hillsborough’s designation rules, it’s more important than ever to double-check the law before letting a teen or unlicensed driver take the wheel.

    If you or your child is injured in a golf cart accident, Florida law provides options for recovering medical expenses and damages. At Mickey Keenan P.A., we handle golf cart and pedestrian accident cases across Tampa Bay and can help families understand their rights after an injury. We have over 88 years of combined experience helping injury victims and their families seek compensation and have proven trial experience against insurers. Reach out to us today for a free consultation.