FLORIDA
GOLF CART
RULES & LAWS
IS A GOLF CART SUBJECT TO
FLORIDA NO-FAULT LAWS?
No in most circumstances, the average golf cart
will not be required to carry No-Fault insurance.
A golf cart is not a motor vehicle subject to motor
vehicle no-fault law, even a though golf cart is a
“dangerous instrumentality” and its owner thus
has generally vicarious liability for its permissive
operation.
What this means is that part of the law regards
a golf cart as a “dangerous instrument”—like a
car—the other part of the law does not see the
golf cart requiring No-Fault insurance. Since No-
Fault insurance covers you if there is an incident,
you may want to check whether your auto insurer
makes No-Fault coverage available on your golf
cart.
The foregoing information is not meant to be le-
gal advice. Each situation is different. This is why
you should call your attorney, or check with your
automobile, or homeowners insurance company.
WHAT IS A GOLF CART, AND
WHAT ARE THE RULES?
sporting or recreational purposes. Also, Florida
Statute 320.10 (22) says a: “golf cart” means a
motor vehicle that is designed and manufactured
for operation on a golf course for sporting or
recreational purposes and that is not capable of
exceeding speeds of 20 miles per hour.
What is the minimum age to operate a golf cart?
Florida Statute 316.212 Operation of golf cart on
certain roadways says: A golf cart may not be op-
erated on public roads or streets by any person
under the age of 14.
Is a driver’s license needed to operate a golf cart?
Florida Statute 322.04(e)says that persons who
operate a golf cart, as defined in F.S. 320.01 are
exempt from needing a driver’s license to operate
a golf cart.
What if my golf cart can exceed 20 m.p,h.? Addi-
tional laws apply to this type of vehicle, including
when and where it can operate. Further, if your
golf cart can exceed 20 m.p.h., it may change
which type of insurance applies to that vehicle.
(i.e., auto insurance versus homeowner’s insur-
ance)
Legally speaking, Florida Statute 316.003(68) says
that a “golf cart” is: A motor vehicle designed and
manufactured for operation on a golf course for
MAY 2019
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