Short answer: In Miami Lakes, Florida, a licensed driver may operate a golf cart on Town streets once the cart carries a Town-issued permit. Ordinance No. 22-293 (2022), codified as Town Code sections 39-50 to 39-59, designates every Town street except NW 67th Avenue and NW 87th Avenue, which may only be crossed at marked or signal-controlled intersections. The permit takes an application, a notarized affidavit, proof of insurance and a $50 fee.
Last verified against Town of Miami Lakes Ordinance No. 22-293 and the Town's golf cart registration guide: . Reviewed by Mike Burdman and Joe Magaro, Low Speed Living / Cart Life TV (20 years combined golf cart experience). General information, not legal advice. The Town Police Department enforces the golf cart article.
Where can golf carts drive in Miami Lakes?
The ordinance designates all Town streets except NW 67th Avenue and NW 87th Avenue. Carts may cross those two avenues only at marked intersections or intersections controlled by a traffic signal. The Town's permit application packet also lists NW 57th Avenue as a prohibited street, although the ordinance text names only the other two.
- Not allowed: parks, bicycle paths, sidewalks and swales.
- A permit does not cover private or semi-private property such as retail parking lots, private roads or condominium common areas; owners and managers may set their own rules.
- Carts may not obstruct or interfere with normal traffic flow, and must follow posted parking regulations.
- A speed limit specific to golf carts is not specified in the ordinance.
Do you need a permit to drive a golf cart in Miami Lakes?
Yes. A Town-issued permit is required, and the Town's guide says to attach it to the rear fender. You submit the permit application, a notarized affidavit, proof of insurance, a valid driver's license and a $50 application fee to the Building Department at Town Hall, 6601 Main Street.
| Item | What the Town's sources say |
|---|---|
| Fee | $50 application fee; the Town's guide describes it as one-time |
| Inspection | The ordinance says each cart must be inspected by the Town annually, with the Police Department scheduling an equipment inspection after it receives the application |
| Renewal fee | Not specified in the ordinance |
| Insurance | Proof of insurance is required. The application calls for liability coverage of at least the limits in s. 324.021(7), Florida Statutes; the ordinance itself states no dollar amounts |
| Permit display | Conspicuous location on the cart; the guide specifies the rear fender |
| Penalties | Fine amounts are not specified in the ordinance |
Who can drive a golf cart in Miami Lakes?
The driver must hold a current, valid driver's license. The ordinance does not state a separate minimum age.
- Operators must obey all traffic laws as if driving any other motor vehicle.
- Drivers and passengers must follow Florida's safety belt and child restraint rules.
- A cart may not carry more passengers than it was designed for.
Can you drive a golf cart at night in Miami Lakes?
Only if the cart has headlights and a windshield. The ordinance prohibits operating a golf cart between sunset and sunrise without both.
What equipment is required?
Section 39-55 requires:
- Efficient brakes
- Reliable steering apparatus
- Safe tires
- Rear view mirrors
- Red reflectorized warning devices, front and rear
- Rear stop lamps and turn signals
- Safety belts
A cart that meets the ordinance's "slow moving vehicle" definition (designed for speeds under 25 mph) must also display a triangular SMV emblem.
Are LSVs covered by the Miami Lakes permit?
The ordinance regulates golf carts and does not use the term low-speed vehicle. How a state-registered LSV is treated is not specified in the ordinance.
What is the Florida statewide baseline?
Florida does not require registration, a title or insurance for a standard golf cart, and drivers under 18 need a learner's permit or driver license. An LSV must be titled, registered with a license plate, insured with at least $10,000 PIP and $10,000 property damage liability, and driven by a licensed driver. See Florida golf cart and LSV laws for the statewide rules.