Florida Golf Cart Laws and Low-Speed Vehicle Laws: Quick Summary
This page is a reference guide to Florida statutes and official Florida agency resources related to Florida golf cart laws, low-speed vehicle laws, converted golf carts, registration, titling, insurance, equipment, and roadway operation.
Florida law treats a regular golf cart and a low-speed vehicle differently. A golf cart is generally designed for recreational or community use and is not automatically street legal statewide.
A low-speed vehicle, often called an LSV, is a motor vehicle category that may be operated on certain public roads when it meets Florida equipment, title, registration, insurance, and driver-license requirements.
In simple terms, a golf cart is not the same thing as a street-legal LSV. A Florida LSV must meet required safety equipment standards, be titled, registered, insured, and operated by a licensed driver. Florida law generally allows LSV operation on streets where the posted speed limit is 35 mph or less, subject to local rules and roadway restrictions.
This page collects the most important Florida statutes and official Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles resources related to golf carts, low-speed vehicles, converted golf carts, title, registration, insurance, required equipment, and road use.
Florida Statutes – Defines golf cart, low-speed vehicles and where legal operation on public roads
Florida Statute § 320.01 — Definitions
Legally defines “golf cart,” and “low-speed vehicle”
Florida Statute § 316.212 — Operation of Golf Carts on Certain Roadways
Florida’s primary statute for golf cart operation on designated public roads, crossings, equipment, operator requirements, local ordinances, and sidewalk-related rules.
Florida Statute § 316.2122 — Operation of Low-Speed Vehicles
Florida’s primary statute for LSV operation, including roadway speed limits, equipment requirements, title, registration, insurance, and driver license requirements.
Florida Low-Speed Vehicle Title, Licensing, and Insurance Requirments
Florida Statute § 322.03 — Driver License Required
LSV operators must possess a valid driver license.
Florida Statute Chapter 319 — Certificates of Title
Florida LSVs must be titled.
Fla. Stat. § 319.23(6)(a) (2025) – Licensed Dealer Required to Obtain Title for Purchaser
On of a motor vehicle by a licensed dealer to a general purchaser, the certificate of title must be obtained in the name of the purchaser within 30 days.
Florida Statute § 320.02 — Registration Required
All vehicles must be registered when driven on public roads.
Fla. Stat. § 320.02(1) (2025) – Registration Required When Driven on Public Roads
A motor vehicle that is operated or driven on the roads of this state shall register the vehicle in this state.
A registration is not required for a motor vehicle that is not operated on Florida roads.
Florida Statute § 320.0847 — Low-Speed Vehicle License Plates
Addresses license plates for registered low-speed vehicles including low-speed vehicles.
Florida Statute § 324.022 — Property Damage Liability Insurance
Relevant to Florida motor vehicle insurance requirements.
Florida Statute § 627.733 — Personal Injury Protection Insurance
Florida PIP insurance is required for registered low-speed vehicles.
Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards – 49 CFR – Low-Speed Vehicles
49 CFR contains U.S. Department of Transportation rules for transportation safety, including the federal motor vehicle safety standards manufacturers must meet and certify for road-use vehicles.
49 CFR 571.500 Standard No. 500 – Low-speed vehicles
Sets the minimum federal safety-equipment requirements for low-speed vehicles, including a 25 mph maximum speed limit
49 CFR Part 567 – Certification Labels
Requires a manufacturer to permanently affix a certification label stating: Manufacturer name, date of manufacture, and FMVSS standards that the vehicle conforms to. For LSVs, the vehicle type should be listed as TYPE: LOW-SPEED VEHICLE.
49 CFR Part 565 – VIN Requirements
Defines the required VIN format, content, marking, and reporting rules used to identify vehicles and support recalls.
Consumer Educational Information Provided by FLHSMV
Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles — Low Speed Vehicles
Official FLHSMV consumer information covering LSVs, golf carts, converted golf carts, equipment, insurance, title, registration, and required documents.
link to FLHSMV Consumer Guide to Owning Low-Speed Vehicles PDF
Specials Florida Golf Cart and Low-Speed Vehicle Uses and Exemptions
Florida Statute § 316.2125 — Operation of Golf Carts Within Retirement Communities
Addresses golf cart operation within self-contained retirement communities and the ability of local governments or FDOT to restrict operation for safety reasons.
Florida Statute § 320.105 — Golf Cart and Utility Vehicle Registration Exemption
Explains certain exceptions to registration and license plate requirements for some golf carts and utility vehicles.
Florida Statute § 316.21265 — Law Enforcement Use
Covers law enforcement use of golf carts, LSVs, ATVs, and utility vehicles.
Florida Statute § 316.2126 — Specially Authorized Use of Golf Carts, Low-Speed Vehicles, and Utility Vehicles
Covers certain municipal, state park, and seasonal delivery uses.
Florida Statute § 316.2127 — Utility Vehicles by Homeowners’ Associations
Covers certain HOA use of utility vehicles for maintenance, security, and landscaping purposes.