Are Golf Carts Street Legal in Pinellas County?
A standard golf cart is street legal in Pinellas County only inside designated golf cart zones, and the driver needs a valid driver license. To drive on regular roads posted at 35 mph or less, you need a low-speed vehicle (LSV): a titled, registered, insured cart with required safety equipment. Golf Car Systems does LSV conversions all the time.
Golf Cart vs. LSV: What's the Difference?
Golf cart | Low-speed vehicle (LSV) | |
Top speed | Under 20 mph | 20 to 25 mph |
Where it can drive in Pinellas | Designated golf cart zones only | Roads posted 35 mph or less |
Title and registration | No | Yes |
Insurance | Recommended | Required |
VIN | No | Yes |
Driver | Valid driver license (Pinellas) | Valid driver license |
Where Are the Golf Cart Zones?
Pinellas County has created golf cart zones in parts of unincorporated Pinellas at the request of HOAs and property owners, and many cities have their own zones. Check the maps on Pinellas County's golf cart communities page and your city's website. Zones are marked with signs.
Who Can Drive a Golf Cart in Florida?
Under Florida Statute 316.212, anyone under 18 must have a learner's permit or driver license to drive a golf cart on a public road. Pinellas County requires a valid driver license to operate a golf cart or LSV on its streets.
How Do I Make My Golf Cart Street Legal?
Add the required equipment: headlights, taillights, brake lights, turn signals, reflectors, mirrors, seat belts, a windshield, and a horn.
Make sure the cart can reach 20 to 25 mph.
Take the converted cart to an FLHSMV regional office for inspection and VIN assignment.
Title, register, and insure it.
Our Clearwater shop handles LSV conversions and can walk you through the paperwork. See FLHSMV's low-speed vehicle page for current state requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Golf Car Systems convert my golf cart to an LSV?
Yes. We do LSV conversions all the time, on carts you buy from us or carts you already own.
Can I drive my golf cart on Gulf Boulevard?
Only if that stretch is in a designated zone (golf cart) or posted 35 mph or less (LSV). Check posted signs and local rules.
Can my teenager drive our golf cart?
Not on public roads unless they hold a learner's permit or driver license, and Pinellas requires a valid driver license.
Can I drive a golf cart at night?
Only if it's equipped with the lighting and equipment Florida requires for after-dark operation.
Want your cart street legal? Ask about our LSV conversions. Call Golf Car Systems at (727) 536-0416 or email sales@golfcars.com. We've kept Tampa Bay rolling since 1973.
