Golf Carts in the City of Tavares
Golf Carts & Neighborhood Electric Vehicles
Golf Carts & Neighborhood Electric Vehicles The City of Tavares allows neighborhood electric vehicles, golf carts, and low-speed vehicles on approved city roads to increase transportation options in an ecologically convenient manner. Approved Crossings FAQs Golf Cart Ordinance Golf Cart Registration Form 352-742-6200 Golf Cart Crossing Tavares is a golf cart-friendly community, but crossings on major roadways are limited to specific approved locations. Important:Golf carts are not allowed on or across US 441 or SR 19 except at the approved special crossing points listed below. Voluntary Registration The Tavares Police Department offers a free, voluntary registration service for local golf cart owners. Registration can help identify and recover a stolen golf cart more easily, especially since golf carts do not require state registration and do not have factory-installed VINs. General Rules Golf carts must comply with all applicable local and state traffic laws and may be ticketed for traffic and parking violations in the same manner as motor vehicles. Approved Golf Cart Crossings The following are the only approved crossings for golf carts on these major roadways: State Road 19 Approved crossing only at:Dead River Road Golf Cart Crossing at Dead River Road and State Road 19. US Highway 441 Approved crossing only at:Saint Clair Abrams Avenue and Banning Beach Road Golf Cart Crossing at US 441 and St. Clair Abrams Avenue / Banning Beach Road. Where Golf Carts Are Not Allowed Prohibited Areas Not on sidewalks Not on bike paths Not in or through parks or on pedestrian walkways, including Wooton Park Not on boat ramps or seaplane ramps Not on or across US 441 or SR 19, except at approved crossings Legal Use Under Florida law, a golf cart is defined as a motor vehicle and may only operate on streets in the manner allowed by law and local ordinance. Frequently Asked Questions Can I ride my golf cart anywhere inside Tavares? No. While Tavares is a golf cart-friendly city, golf carts may only operate where permitted by local ordinance and state law. They are not allowed on sidewalks, bike paths, parks, pedestrian walkways, boat ramps, seaplane ramps, or on/across US 441 or SR 19 except at the two approved crossings. Who can operate a golf cart? Anyone under age 18 must possess a valid learner’s license or valid driver’s license. Anyone age 18 or older must possess a valid government-issued photo identification. Can I park my golf cart in a handicap space? Yes. If you have a valid handicap decal or hanger, you may use it on your golf cart when parking in a handicap space. Can I operate my golf cart at night? Yes, if your golf cart has the proper equipment required by the ordinance. Do I have to have insurance on my golf cart? The City of Tavares does not have an insurance requirement, but the State of Florida may, depending on the top speed of your vehicle. Check with your insurance agent. I live in Lake Francis Estates. Can I go to the Winn-Dixie shopping center? You may use St. Clair Abrams Avenue to the frontage road of the Winn-Dixie shopping center. The shopping center is private property next to the CRA, and the property owners may or may not allow golf cart operation there.
