St. Petersburg Golf Cart Laws
Understanding golf cart laws in St. Petersburg is easier when you know what’s required and how upkeep ties in. Following legal rules and staying on top of electric golf cart maintenance or gas golf cart maintenance via regular golf cart tune ups keeps you safe and compliant. This guide breaks down local rules, where carts can go, and how to care for them.
What Defines a Golf Cart vs. a Low-Speed Vehicle (LSV)?
In Florida, golf carts are defined as vehicles built for course use with top speeds under 20 mph. Low-speed vehicles (LSVs) can go 21–25 mph and must have registration, title, insurance, and safety equipment like headlights, mirrors, seatbelts, and VIN. If your cart is equipped for public streets and exceeds 20 mph, it must be titled and registered.
Where Can You Drive a Golf Cart in St. Petersburg?
St. Petersburg follows Florida’s statewide rules and adds local ordinances:
Local Streets & Permits
Golf carts and LSVs may operate on roadways with posted speeds only up to 30 mph, or where local signs permit. The city requires a permit and decal from the Community Development Department. Carts must be registered annually and display a visible sticker.
Restrictions
No state highways or county roads unless crossing at a designated intersection
No driving on sidewalks, parks, or beaches stpetebeach.org+1stpetebeach.org+1
Night driving allowed only if equipped with lights, horns, mirrors, brakes, and seatbelts flhsmv.gov+8stpetebeach.org+8flhsmv.gov+8
Driver Requirements
Operators must hold a valid driver’s license (learners permitted if age 16+, per recent update).
What Equipment Is Required?
Whether using a golf cart or an LSV, the following is needed:
- For Daytime Course Use (golf cart): brakes, horn, steering, tires, back/side mirrors, reflectors
- For Street or Night Driving: headlights, brake lights, turn signals, windshield, seat belts, and a VIN if it’s an LSV
Why Maintenance Matters
Golf Cart Tune Up
A basic tune-up includes checking brakes, tires, mirrors, lights, horn, and steering. These aren’t just for comfort; these are legal requirements. Routine tune-ups reduce risk, prevent violations, and save money on later repairs.
Electric Golf Cart Maintenance
Battery upkeep is key: monitor charge levels, check for corrosion, and replace old batteries. You also need to confirm that lights and signals work properly for permits and nighttime driving. Annual servicing ensures that everything continues to function.
Gas Golf Cart Maintenance
For gas carts, schedule oil changes, spark plug checks, air filter replacements, and brake inspections. A poorly maintained cart may fail safety checks for street use, and gas carts are more likely to break down.
Getting Titled, Registered & Insured
If converting a golf cart to an LSV or buying one already street-ready, Florida requires:
- Title and registration via FLHSMV, applying with VIN and inspection form
- Liability insurance: at least $10,000 PDL and PIP
- Valid driver’s license in hand
For non‑LSV golf carts, the main legal need is a city permit and decal. Insurance isn’t mandatory, but it is strongly recommended.
Key Takeaways
Under 20 mph = golf cart; over 20 mph = LSV with full street requirements
- Permits, equipment, and city decals are essential for street-legal carts in St. Pete
- Regular golf cart tune ups, plus model-specific maintenance, keep your ride compliant and reliable
Converting a cart to LSV involves title, inspection, insurance, and safety gear
Stay Safe & Compliant
Supreme Carts is here to help with both compliance and maintenance. We offer annual tune-ups, full-service repair, city certification inspections, and help with lighting, safety upgrades, and conversions. Book your golf cart tune up or a service check today.
FAQs
Do I need insurance for my golf cart?
Street-ready LSVs require $10k PDL and PIP. Course-only carts don’t need insurance, but it’s wise.
Can a 16‑year‑old drive a cart on city streets?
Yes, with a learner’s permit and if the cart meets equipment rules.
How often does a cart need a tune-up?
For street use, an annual tune-up covers legal equipment and safety. For course use, check basic functions seasonally.
Can I drive after dark?
Yes, but only if you have lights, signals, seat belts, and a windshield.