§ 13-64. Operation of golf carts on public city roads.

(a)

Definitions.

Golf cart, pursuant to F.S. § 320.01(22), 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.

Public city road shall mean any thoroughfare maintained by the city that is commonly used for vehicular traffic.

(b)

Authorization to operate golf carts on public city roads. Golf carts meeting the definition set forth in subsection (a) may be operated on all public city roads within the city limits where the posted speed limit is thirty-five (35) miles per hour or less. Golf carts may not operate on or cross state highways unless authorized by the department of transportation pursuant to F.S. § 316.212(2).

(c)

Equipment and minimum standards. All golf carts operated on public city roads shall meet the minimum equipment standards established by state statutes. Golf carts that are operated between the hours before sunrise and after sunset must be equipped with headlights, brake lights, rear view mirror, turn signals, and a windshield.

(d)

Hours of operation. Golf carts meeting the equipment standards established in subsection (c) for operation between the hours before sunrise and after sunset may be operated at anytime during the day or night. Golf carts that do not meet these additional standards shall only be operated 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 and parking violations in the same manner as motor vehicles.

(f)

Operation. Drivers of golf carts must be at least sixteen (16) years of age. The number of occupants of a golf cart must equal the number of seats. No person is to stand while the golf cart is in motion.

(g)

Enforcement. The city shall have the authority to enforce the provisions set forth herein and applicable traffic laws.

(h)

Conflicts. All resolutions or parts of resolutions in conflict with any of the provisions of this section are hereby repealed. This section shall not repeal prior resolutions or provisions that established specific golf cart communities, nor prevent the establishment of additional golf cart communities within the city.

(Ord. No. 2009-08, § 1, 5-20-09; Ord. No. 2010-18, § 1, 8-18-10)