Golf carts may feel low-risk compared to cars, but under Florida law, they can create the same kinds of legal and financial exposure. In some cases, the consequences can be even more severe because insurance coverage is limited or nonexistent.
1. Age and ID requirements
Florida law changed in 2023. If a golf cart is being operated on public roads or designated golf cart paths, age and identification rules now apply.
Drivers under 18 must have at least a learner’s permit or a valid driver’s license. Drivers 18 and older must carry a government-issued photo ID while operating a golf cart.
These requirements only apply on public roads or designated areas. Private property and certain gated communities may have different rules.
2. Insurance and liability
Standard golf carts—those that travel under 20 mph—are not required to carry insurance in Florida. That creates a gap that many people don’t realize until something goes wrong.
If a golf cart reaches speeds between 20 and 25 mph, it is classified as a Low-Speed Vehicle (LSV). LSVs must be titled, registered, insured, and equipped with safety features such as seat belts.
The lack of required insurance for standard carts means that liability can fall directly on the owner or driver.
The Gonzalez v. Chiong case
A case out of Miami-Dade County shows how serious that exposure can be. In Gonzalez v. Chiong, a teenager was driving a golf cart owned by a family member when she ran a stop sign and caused a crash. The cart flipped, and a child passenger suffered severe brain injuries.
The court found both the driver and the owner responsible. The owner was held liable under Florida’s dangerous instrumentality doctrine, which can make vehicle owners responsible for the actions of anyone they allow to drive.
The result was a verdict exceeding $50 million.
The takeaway is simple: even though insurance may not be required, the legal exposure is very real. Allowing someone—especially a minor—to operate a golf cart on public roads can carry significant financial risk.
3. Passenger rules
Passenger behavior in golf carts is often treated casually, but it can become a serious issue after an accident.
- Passengers must remain seated in designated seats
- Riding on laps, standing, or hanging off the vehicle is unsafe and can lead to citations
These situations are not just safety concerns. In a legal claim, they can be used to argue comparative fault or reduce the amount of compensation available.
If a passenger is injured while not properly seated, liability may increase, and any available insurance coverage may be challenged.
4. DUI laws apply to golf carts
In Florida, a golf cart is still considered a vehicle for purposes of DUI laws.
That means you can be arrested for driving a golf cart under the influence of alcohol or drugs, even in residential communities or areas that feel “off-road.”
The legal standard is the same. If your blood alcohol level is 0.08 or higher, or if your normal faculties are impaired, you can face DUI charges.
Penalties can include fines, license suspension, probation, and even jail time. In cases involving Low-Speed Vehicles, insurance consequences may also follow.