Short answer: In North Port, golf carts are allowed only on designated, signed city roadways: all city roads in the Holiday Park Recreational District, all city roads in the Lakeside Plantation Community Development District, and Plantation Boulevard (City Code Sec. 74-152(b)). Low-speed vehicles (LSVs) may use streets posted 35 mph or less, but the Police Department lists twelve major roads where LSVs are prohibited regardless of the posted limit.
Last verified against the North Port Police Department's Golf Cart Requirements page: . Reviewed by Mike Burdman and Joe Magaro, Low Speed Living / Cart Life TV (20 years combined golf cart experience). General information, not legal advice.
Where can golf carts drive in North Port?
Only on city roadways designated and signed for golf carts under City Code Section 74-152(b): all city roads in the Holiday Park Recreational District, all city roads in the Lakeside Plantation Community Development District, and Plantation Boulevard.
- Designated roads must be posted with signs under s. 316.212(1), Florida Statutes.
- A cart may cross a county road where it meets an approved golf cart roadway, a golf course or a mobile home park.
- Designated golf cart roadways are those posted 30 mph or less.
Where are LSVs prohibited in North Port?
LSVs may use streets posted 35 mph or less, except that the North Port Police Department lists twelve roads as off limits regardless of speed limit: Atwater Drive, Biscayne Drive, Chamberlain Boulevard, Cranberry Boulevard, Haberland Boulevard, Pan American Boulevard, Panacea Boulevard, Price Boulevard, Salford Boulevard, San Mateo Drive, Sumter Boulevard and Toledo Blade Boulevard.
Who can drive a golf cart or LSV in North Port?
A golf cart driver under 18 needs a valid learner's permit or driver license; drivers 18 and older need a valid government-issued photo ID. An LSV driver must carry a valid driver license.
| Requirement | Golf cart | LSV |
|---|---|---|
| Where allowed | Designated, signed city roadways only | Streets posted 35 mph or less, minus the twelve prohibited roads |
| Driver | Under 18: learner's permit or driver license. 18 and older: government-issued photo ID | Valid driver license in immediate possession |
| Title and registration | Not required | Required |
| Insurance | Not required | PIP and property damage liability |
| Top speed | Not capable of exceeding 20 mph | Above 20 mph, not above 25 mph |
Do you need registration or insurance for a golf cart in North Port?
A golf cart does not have to be titled, registered or insured. An LSV must be registered, titled and insured with PIP and property damage liability coverage. The City's page does not mention a city permit, decal, inspection or fee.
What equipment is required?
For LSVs the Police Department lists headlamps, front and rear turn signals, stop lamps, tail lamps, red reflex reflectors on each side and the rear, a driver-side exterior mirror plus an interior or passenger-side mirror, a parking brake, a windshield, a seat belt for each designated seat and a VIN. Golf cart equipment, night operation, parking and fine amounts are not specified on the City's page.
What is the Florida statewide baseline?
Florida does not require registration, a title or insurance for a standard golf cart, and a driver under 18 needs a learner's permit or driver license to take one on a public road. 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 on streets posted 35 mph or less. See Florida golf cart and LSV laws for the statewide rules.