Tavares Clarifies Golf Cart Rules for City Streets

Tavares residents can now use golf carts, neighborhood electric vehicles, and low-speed vehicles on city streets with clearer guidelines. The city encourages these transportation options but requires drivers to follow specific road rules and ordinances.

Golf carts are common in Tavares, but street use on major roads is limited to designated crossing points. Drivers must not operate golf carts on sidewalks, bike paths, in parks or pedestrian walkways like Wooton Park, on boat or seaplane ramps, or on or across U.S. 441 or State Road 19, except at two approved locations.

Approved crossings for these major roadways are:

• State Road 19: Only at Dead River Road.
• U.S. Highway 441: Only at Saint Clair Abrams Avenue and Banning Beach Road.

Golf cart operators must obey all local and state traffic laws and face tickets for violations, like other motor vehicles. Florida law defines a golf cart as a motor vehicle, requiring adherence to all traffic regulations.

Operators under 18 must possess a learner's or driver's license. Drivers 18 and older need government-issued photo identification. While Tavares does not require golf cart insurance, Florida law may mandate it based on the vehicle's top speed. Owners should consult their insurance agents.

The Tavares Police Department offers free, voluntary registration for golf carts. This service helps identify and recover stolen vehicles, as they lack state registration or factory-installed VINs.

Residents with questions about golf cart operation or approved crossings can contact the city at 352-742-6200.