§ 13-61. Golf carts.

(a)

Definition of golf cart. Pursuant to F.S. § 320.01(22), a "golf cart" is defined as a motor vehicle that is designed and manufactured for operation on a golf course for sporting or recreational purposes and that is not capable of exceeding speeds of twenty (20) miles per hour.

(b)

Authorization to operate golf carts within and between golf cart communities. Golf carts meeting the definition set forth in subsection (a) above may be operated within communities approved by resolution adopted by the city council as "golf cart communities" on those streets designated for golf cart usage. Golf carts may also be operated between golf cart communities that are adjacent, if specifically approved by the city council in the approving resolution. The city council may also revoke any such approval by resolution. The provision of appropriate signage designating such areas and regulating use of golf carts shall be the responsibility of each golf cart community and shall be a condition of the approving resolution. Speed-modified golf carts or "hybrid" golf carts are not authorized for use on streets within golf cart communities.

(c)

Equipment and minimum standards. All golf carts operated within golf cart communities shall meet the minimum equipment standards established by Florida Statutes. Golf carts that are operated between the hours before sunrise and after sunset, if permitted by the approving resolution, shall have additional equipment requirements, and at a minimum, must have headlights, brake lights, turn signals, a windshield, and reflective devices on the sides of the golf cart that could include reflective tape.

(d)

Hours of operation. Golf carts meeting the minimum equipment standards established in subsection (c) above for operation between the hours before sunrise and after sunset, may be operated between the hours of 5:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m., if permitted by the approving resolution. Golf carts that do not meet the minimum equipment standards for operation between the hours before sunrise and after sunset shall only be permitted to operate during the hours between sunrise and sunset.

(e)

Compliance with traffic laws. Golf carts shall comply with all applicable local and state traffic laws, and may be ticketed for traffic violations in the same manner as motor vehicles.

(f)

Enforcement. The city shall have the authority to enforce the provisions set forth herein and applicable traffic laws, provided however, that the enforcement of rules and regulations established by golf cart communities shall be the sole responsibility of each community.

(Ord. No. 2003-42, §§ 1—6, 11-5-03)

Editor's note

Ord. No. 2003-42, §§ 1—6, adopted Nov. 5, 2003, did not specifically amend the Code. Hence its inclusion herein as section 13-61 was at the discretion of the editor.