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Presidents Corner – January 2025 – Golf Cart Ordinances & Laws

Feb. 10 2025 News By Eva M. Rey

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January 10, 2025 

As we welcome the new year, it’s a great time to revisit the important laws and ordinances governing golf cart usage in Florida, including those specific to Viera. Golf carts are a popular and convenient way to travel in our growing community, but staying informed about the rules is essential to ensuring the safety of everyone. 

State regulations can be found in Florida Statutes, Chapter 316.212, while local guidelines more specific to Viera, are outlined in Brevard County Code of Ordinances, Chapter 106-73 – operation of golf carts. Below are some important reminders and updates for golf cart operators: 

New Legal Requirements for Golf Cart Drivers 

Recent changes now require that all golf cart operators meet specific licensing and age criteria. 

  • Drivers must hold a valid license or learner’s permit. This means that drivers aged 15 years with a learner’s permit or 16 years with a driver’s license can operate a golf cart on public roads and streets. Adults aged 18 and older are permitted to drive golf carts if they have a valid government-issued photo ID. 

Insurance Guidelines 

  • Street legal golf carts do require auto insurance coverage. 
  • If a golf cart driver is cited for a moving violation, this will impact their insurance rates as if they were driving a car. Additionally, if an underage minor is involved in an accident or receives a violation, the parents/guardians will be held responsible. 
  • If a golf cart is not considered street legal, it may be covered by your homeowner’s insurance. However, this does vary so be sure to check your policy with your insurance company. 

Where Can You Drive Your Golf Cart? 

Under Brevard County Ordinance 2016-22, golf carts can be driven on any roadway within the Viera Development of Regional Impact (DRI) where the speed limit is 30 MPH or less. For roads with speed limits over 30 MPH, such as Judge Fran Jamieson Way, Lake Andrew Drive, Murrell Road, Stadium Parkway, Tavistock Drive, Pineda Causeway, Viera Boulevard, and Wickham Road, golf carts are strictly prohibited and must use the adjacent multi-use trails. 

Golf carts may cross these roadways, but only at signalized intersections or designated pedestrian crossings. Crossing at any other location is illegal and highly dangerous. 

Viera is a golf cart-friendly community, designed with pathways and sidewalks that accommodate golf carts. Sidewalks that are at least 8 feet wide with clearance on either side for passage are considered suitable for golf cart use. Additionally, golf carts are permitted on certain multi-use trails, which must be clearly marked with signage and path markings. When using these pathways please keep the following in mind: 

  • Always yield to pedestrians and non-motorized traffic. Pedestrians have the right of way. 
  • Signal your approach with a horn to avoid surprising others. 
  • Stay on the right side when encountering oncoming traffic, and pass others on the left. 

Safety Guidelines for Passengers 

  • Never transport more passengers than the golf cart was designated to carry. All passengers must be seated in positions intended by the manufacturer. 
  • Children under 5 years old must be secured in a federally approved child restraint system properly attached to the cart. 
  • Operators should ensure passengers always remain seated while the cart is in motion. 

Multi-Use Pathways 

Golf Cart Equipment Requirements 

All golf carts must have efficient brakes, safe tires, a rearview mirror, a horn, reliable steering, and red reflectors on both front and rear. If driving at night or in low-visibility conditions (such as fog, rain, or smoke), carts must also be equipped with headlights, brake lights, turn signals, and a windshield. For the golf cart to be street legal, it must be registered and insured with a VIN. 

Abby Hemenway, Public Information & Outreach Manager with Space Coast Transportation Planning Organization states “Golf carts are a convenient way to get around, but safety should always come first. As part of the Space Coast Transportation Planning Organization’s commitment to Vision Zero, where the only acceptable number of traffic deaths and serious injuries on our roadways is ZERO, we encourage everyone to follow traffic laws, use designated crossings, and stay alert for pedestrians and cyclists to help eliminate serious injuries and fatalities on our roads.” 

Educate yourself and others about the laws and best practices for golf cart use to keep our community safe. I want to leave you with this impactful quote that may shift your mindset about safety, specifically when it comes to operating a vehicle: “It’s better to lose one minute in life than to lose life in one minute.” 

Stay safe and see you next month! 

Eva M. Rey, President 

Central Viera Community Association, Inc.