The Legal Side Of Golf Cart Accidents In Florida Neighborhoods And Resorts

In many Florida neighborhoods, gated communities, and resorts, golf carts are more than just for the golf course, they’re a popular way to get around. They’re convenient, cost-effective, and perfect for sunny Florida weather. If you or someone you care about has been injured in a golf cart accident, it may be in your best interest to discuss your situation with a good Tampa, FL car accident lawyer.

But while they may seem harmless, golf carts can cause serious injuries in crashes. Florida law treats golf cart accidents differently than car accidents and knowing the rules can help you protect your health and your legal rights.

Golf Carts In Florida: More Common Than You Think

Florida has one of the highest numbers of golf carts in the U.S., with many communities and resorts allowing carts on designated roads and pathways. Some neighborhoods even encourage golf cart use for quick trips to the pool, clubhouse, or local shops.

However, their popularity also means more accidents. The Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates thousands of golf cart-related injuries each year in the U.S., with incidents ranging from rollovers to pedestrian collisions.

What Florida Law Says About Golf Carts

Under Florida Statutes § 316.003(23), a golf cart is defined as a motor vehicle designed for operation on a golf course for sporting or recreational purposes that cannot exceed speeds of 20 mph.

Florida also distinguishes between:

• Golf carts – top speed of 20 mph, no title or registration required
• Low-speed vehicles (LSVs) – capable of speeds between 20–25 mph, must be titled, registered, and insured (Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles)

Why this matters: If a golf cart is modified to exceed 20 mph, it may be reclassified as an LSV, which changes insurance and liability requirements.

Where You Can And Can’t Drive A Golf Cart In Florida

Florida law allows golf carts on:

• Designated roads with speed limits of 30 mph or less
• Certain community roads and resort property, if approved by the local authority or property manager
• Specially marked golf cart paths

They’re not allowed on highways, major roads, or anywhere local ordinances prohibit them (Florida Statutes § 316.212).

Common Causes Of Golf Cart Accidents In Neighborhoods & Resorts

Golf cart accidents often happen due to:

• Driver inexperience – no license required for basic carts in many areas
• Overcrowding – carrying more passengers than designed
• Sharp turns and rollovers – especially on uneven paths or hills
• Distracted driving – phone use or eating while operating the cart
• Alcohol use – yes, DUI laws can apply to golf carts in certain areas (Florida Statutes § 316.193)

Resort areas can add hazards like mixed-use paths with pedestrians, rental carts with maintenance issues, or unfamiliar terrain.

Who Is Liable In A Golf Cart Accident?

Liability depends on where and how the accident happened:

• Private property accidents – The property owner, HOA, or resort may be liable if poor maintenance or unsafe design contributed.
• Collisions with other carts or vehicles – The at-fault driver can be held responsible.
• Rental carts – The rental company or resort may be liable for mechanical failures or lack of safety instructions.
• Pedestrian injuries – The golf cart driver may be liable if driving negligently or violating traffic rules.

If the accident occurs in a community with golf cart-specific rules, violating those could be evidence of negligence.

Insurance And Golf Cart Accidents In Florida

Unlike cars, golf carts in Florida are not required to have insurance unless classified as LSVs. However:

• Homeowner’s insurance may cover certain golf cart accidents on your property or within your neighborhood (Florida Office of Insurance Regulation).
• HOA master policies may cover incidents in common areas.
• Resort liability insurance may apply if the accident happened on resort property.

If a cart is an LSV, Florida law requires minimum personal injury and property damage coverage just like a car.

Steps To Take After A Golf Cart Accident

1. Check for injuries and call 911 if needed (Florida Department of Health).
2. Seek medical care immediately, even for minor symptoms.
3. Report the accident to property management, HOA, or resort security.
4. Take photos of the scene, cart, injuries, and any hazards.
5. Get witness information from anyone who saw the crash.
6. Save all records – medical bills, repair invoices, and correspondence.
7. Consult a Florida personal injury attorney familiar with golf cart cases.

Special Considerations In Resort Areas

Resorts often rent golf carts to guests who are unfamiliar with operating them. If an accident occurs:

• The resort’s rental agreement and training process will be important.
• The resort could be liable for negligent entrustment if they rented to someone unfit to drive.
• Maintenance logs may show whether a mechanical issue was known but ignored.

Some resorts also allow mixed traffic (carts, bikes, pedestrians), increasing the risk of collisions.

Florida’s Statute Of Limitations For Golf Cart Accidents

You generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim in Florida (Florida Statutes § 95.11). Waiting too long can mean losing your right to compensation.

Real-Life Example

A family visiting The Villages rented a golf cart from a local shop. The cart’s brakes failed while descending a hill, causing a rollover. The investigation found that the brakes had not been serviced in over a year, despite prior complaints. The rental company was held liable for negligent maintenance, and the injured passengers received compensation for medical costs and lost wages.

Key Takeaways

• Golf carts may be small, but accidents can cause serious injuries.
• Liability often depends on whether the accident occurred on public roads, private property, or resort grounds.
• Insurance coverage is not guaranteed unless the cart qualifies as an LSV or falls under a homeowner’s/resort policy.
• Acting quickly to document and report the incident is essential.

Golf carts are part of the Florida lifestyle, but they come with risks that shouldn’t be underestimated. Whether you’re cruising through your neighborhood or exploring a resort, it’s important to understand the laws, insurance rules, and liability issues that apply to golf cart accidents.

If you’ve been injured in a golf cart accident in Florida, don’t assume your case is too small to matter. Serious injuries can happen at low speeds, and you may be entitled to compensation. Contact Mickey Keenan P.A. today to discuss your options and protect your rights.