There’s something alluring about saying goodbye to your car and living life in the front seat of a golf cart. And, in Florida, there are many communities that give you the luxury of a golf cart lifestyle. Learn more about the golf cart communities in Florida and find out why you might want to live life in the slow lane.
What You Should Know About Golf Cart Communities in Florida
First, there are a few things you should know about this unique lifestyle. Golf cart living isn’t for everyone, but it’s perfect for some individuals. Often thought to be reserved for those who live in retirement communities, golf cart living is legal and welcomed in certain towns and cities across the country. A golf cart community has everything you need and want in close proximity, and lax laws regarding golf cart use on streets.
Florida is one of the most popular locations for the golf cart lifestyle because of the great outdoor living. Typically, the communities have restaurants, movie theaters, and other entertainment, all within a short drive of residential areas. In the best communities, you may be able to get to the grocery store and doctor’s office in your golf cart. If you’re looking into local real estate, you may want to move to a place that makes golf cart living easy.
The Rules
One of the most important things to know about golf cart communities is that there are state rules regarding the use of golf carts. In Florida, traditional golf carts don’t need titles or registration. Therefore, you don’t need to worry about getting insurance coverage for your golf cart. You don’t even need a driver’s license to operate one.
With that said, you can only use golf carts on certain roads. The road needs to be designated for golf carts, which isn’t always the case. Additionally, the speed limit must be 30 miles per hour or less. There are several other rules that apply, but those rules vary by county. Before you decide to move into a golf cart community, ask the park manager about the rules. You can also talk to your DMV about the local regulations.
The Types of Golf Carts
If you’re considering moving to one of these communities, you probably want to start looking into getting your own golf cart. Although there are many types of carts available, you can break them into two categories – electric and gas.
An electric cart is quiet and slow, which might fit right in with your desired lifestyle. Meanwhile, a gas cart is louder and faster. However, you can make modifications to make this golf cart street legal anywhere. With the following features, your golf cart could be street legal:
- Seat belts
- Turn signals
- Parking brake
- Exterior windows
- Windshield
- Tail and headlights
- Powertrain designed to go up to 20-25 mph
Of course, these changes transform your golf cart into a car. If you plan on living in a golf cart community, you can legally drive your cart without making alterations. You need to follow driving rules and stay on roads with speed limits of 35 mph or less. Technically, a vehicle with the above modifications is a low speed vehicle and not a golf cart. If you want to drive a regular golf cart, you need to find a community that has golf cart-friendly rules.
Where to Find Golf Cart Communities in Tampa Bay
In Tampa Bay, there are a few golf cart Communities. Each community has its own laws and regulations, but they’re all golf cart-friendly and allow you to hit the road without needing to convert your golf cart into a low speed vehicle.
Gulfport
In the past, attempts have been made to be stricter about golf cart use in Gulfport. However, the City Council rejected attempts to make new regulations because it would be too difficult to enforce. Currently, the community is full of people who ride their carts to get everywhere they need to go.
Pinellas Park
If you stay along the designated streets in Pinellas Park, you may be able to rely on your golf cart to get around. The cart must have “efficient brakes, reliable steering, safe tires, rearview mirror and red reflectorized warning device on front and rear.”
Dunedin
Although Dunedin doesn’t allow golf carts on all roads, the city allows these vehicles on many roads. You can check out the golf cart map to learn where you can ride. Overall, it’s one of the best communities for those with golf carts.
Clearwater Beach
In Clearwater Beach, you can go almost anywhere along the beach in a golf cart. Your vehicle needs seatbelts and lights for it to be street legal here.
The Founders Club
Located in Sarasota, this private community consists of 62 homes but has more than 700 acres of lakes, nature preserves, and fairways. It’s more than a golf cart community – it’s a golf club community.
Twin Branch Acres
If you love horses, you’ll enjoy living in this neighborhood. You can ride your golf cart around and admire the tranquility, but still enjoy the convenience of being near Tampa.
Bayshore Gardens
You can be a little further removed from the city traffic at this Bradenton neighborhood. In addition to having a long list of amenities, this community also welcomes golf cart drivers.
St Pete Beach
St. Petersburg has strict laws regarding the use of golf carts, but the City of St. Petersburg allows golf carts on most roads. With so much to do in the area, St. Pete is a great place for this type of lifestyle.
Palmer House Properties Group can help you find your dream home in one of these Tampa and St Petersburg golf cart communities in Florida. Check out their new Facebook group or call them today and start house hunting.
Where to Find Golf Cart Communities in Southwest Florida
This part of Florida is also very golf cart-friendly, depending on where you are. In Naples and Fort Myers, there are hundreds of small communities for residents 55 or older. Most of those communities embrace golf cart living.
The Resort on Carefree Boulevard
With affordable mobile homes available in this lesbian community, you can live on a budget. Located in North Fort Myers, Resort on Carefree Boulevard is an LGBTQ community for individuals 40 years of age and up. You can ride your golf cart on the streets and enjoy a community that lives up to its name.
North Captiva Island
In North Captiva Island, there are no cars. You can take your golf cart living to the extreme by living in the golf cart community in Florida that doesn’t allow other vehicles. On the island, the only ways to get around are by golf cart, bike, and two legs.
Venice Golf and Country Club
Another community for those who love golfing, the Venice Golf and Country Club is member-owned. It’s a luxury community and a beautiful place for a golf cart ride.
San Carlos Estates
A hidden gem in Bonita Springs, this community is rural and tucked away from the city life. All year long, residents ride around the neighborhood on their golf carts. Bobcats, birds, and snakes make frequent appearances.
Where to Find Golf Cart Communities in Central Florida
Although there’s one golf cart community in Florida that makes this area famous, there are several other communities as well.
On Top of the World
This 55+ community in Ocala is central Florida’s claim to fame when it comes to golf cart living. There are hundreds of homes and plenty of golf cart trails for you to explore.
The Villages
Located in Wildwood, the Villages is a retirement community with big plans. In the community, you can find stores, live entertainment, and other amenities.
Winter Haven
After months of discussion, Winter Haven city officials voted to make the city more golf cart-friendly. A proposal made Crown Point Cross Road and the Winter Oaks neighborhood the first targets. If things go well, officials will work on expanding their attempts.
Solivita
A Kissimmee community, Solivita is a 55+ community for those who want an active lifestyle. You can ride your golf cart around to the jogging track, pools, and recreation halls. Although you can’t drive your golf cart to Disney, you can hop in a car or on a bus and get there in a short time.
The ladies at Spouses With Houses can help you find your dream home in one of these Central Florida golf cart communities in Florida.
Where To Find Golf Cart Communities In The Space Coast
There are several great destinations for golf cart enthusiasts in the Space Coast. For those who are 55 and up, there are even more options.
Indian River Colony Club
Intended for military retirees and their family members, this 55+ community offers a relaxing life to those who served their country. Residents can trade in their boots for flip flops and their tanks for golf carts.
Viera
In Viera, people drive golf carts to work and school. The golf cart laws are compliant with state and Brevard County golf cart laws. Compared to other counties, Brevard makes driving a golf cart easy.
Lamplighter Village
Every year, this 55+ community in West Melbourne has a golf cart parade. Of course, residents don’t only use their carts during this time of the year. All year long, residents drive around the golf cart-friendly community
Where to Find Golf Cart Communities in South Florida
From a distance, South Florida might not seem to be very golf cart-amenable communities. However, there are a few places that welcome golf carts as a primary form of transportation.
Delray Beach
Delray Beach is a top destination in South Florida. This progressive city encourages “green transit” including biking and electric golf carts. Golf cart rules vary greatly in the Palm Beaches, so check local ordinances, but low-speed golf carts are street legal in Delray Beach. And that’s a great thing, because there are dozens of shops, stores, and beaches to explore!
Wilton Manors
Although there are no special resolutions allowing golf carts in Wilton Manors, people still use them to drive around. The low speed limit of the streets and friendly atmosphere makes this area an ideal place for golf carts.
Lauderdale-By-The-Sea
If you drive a golf cart in Lauderdale-By-The-Sea, it needs to be considered an LSV. You can’t go on a road without seeing at least a few golf carts riding around, and the scenery makes for a beautiful ride.
Where to Find Golf Cart Communities in The Florida Keys
Can you think of a better way to explore the Florida Keys than in a golf cart? In the Keys, there are a few incredible golf cart communities that make you forget the fast-paced life everywhere else.
Ocean Reef
For over 50 years, this community has shown the country why golf cart communities in Florida are so unique. The Reef has two 18-hole golf courses as well as a private airport. If you want to spend as much time in a boat as a golf cart, you can store your boat at the private marina.
Key West
There are tons of golf carts in Key West, but they are all LSVs. Don’t expect to ride your golf cart unless you have it upgraded to be street legal. That said, there are plenty of street legal golf carts available for purchase in the area.
Where to Find Golf Cart Communities in The Panhandle
While the Panhandle doesn’t have many communities dedicated to the golf cart lifestyle, there are several towns and cities that allow street legal golf carts.
Panama City Beach
If you own a home in or near Panama City Beach, you may want to invest in a street legal golf cart. It’s a preferred method of transportation for many locals.
Destin
In this town, golf carts are so popular that most vacation rentals come with a golf cart. Several resort communities in the town are golf cart-friendly, so you won’t find it difficult to get rid of the car.
30A
If you’ve been to 30A, you’ll understand why driving a golf cart is so desirable. This Walton County region is comprised of several unique beach communities all offering food, fun, relaxation and an upscale lifestyle. So we’re grateful that golf carts in Walton County are legal on any county-maintained road. But note – the speed limit is 35 miles per hour or less due to pedestrian traffic.
Ready to move to the panhandle? Then reach out to Brandon Jordan with ERA Distinctive Properties to find your dream home.
Visit or Live in One of These Golf Cart Communities in Florida
If you like the appeal of traveling around on a golf cart, you should check out one of the communities above. Whether you are visiting the state or moving to Florida, golf cart communities in Florida are highly desirable. Savvy Mortgage Lending is also a great resource when you’re ready to make the invest on a golf-cart friendly home.
If you already live in a Florida golf cart community, but don’t see it on this list, let us know! We’re always happy to add more.
**Disclaimer: There is a good chance that this post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through them, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you (for which we are extremely grateful).
Also, while we do our best to highlight LGBTQ-friendly destinations and businesses, info provided is based solely on personal experience and recommendations by community partners. We hope that nobody experiences discrimination or homophobia while visiting Florida, but we make no guarantees. Please inform us if you experience discrimination or homophobia while visiting any destination so we can make updates to our recommendations.
