Short answer: In Palmetto Bay, Florida, licensed drivers may operate a registered golf cart on the Village's interior streets, but not on Old Cutler Road, US 1 or eight other named streets and avenues. The Village permit costs $50, renews for $10 a year, and requires a notarized affidavit and proof of insurance annually. Driving without a current Village registration is a $150 civil citation.
Last verified against the Village of Palmetto Bay golf cart registration form and its printed ordinance text (Village Code Chapter 28): . 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 Village police, with code compliance, enforce the golf cart rules.
Where can golf carts drive in Palmetto Bay?
Registered golf carts may use Village streets except Old Cutler Road, US 1, SW 136th Street, SW 152nd Street, SW 168th Street, SW 184th Street, SW 67th Avenue, SW 77th Avenue, SW 87th Avenue and SW 97th Avenue. Old Cutler Road may only be crossed at marked intersections or intersections controlled by a traffic signal.
- The Village's online form adds that carts may not use any road with a 45 mph limit, and describes permitted use as Village interior roads and county roads posted 30 mph or less.
- Not allowed: sidewalks, swales and Village parks.
- A permit does not cover private or semi-private property or condominium common areas.
- Carts may not obstruct normal traffic flow and must follow posted parking rules.
- A speed limit specific to golf carts and night-time restrictions are not specified in the ordinance text we read; it refers to "non-restricted hours" without defining them.
How much is a Palmetto Bay golf cart permit?
The initial registration and permit fee is $50 and the annual renewal fee is $10. Each year the owner must also file a notarized affidavit of compliance and proof of insurance.
| Item | What the Village's sources say |
|---|---|
| Initial fee | $50 |
| Annual renewal | $10, with a new notarized affidavit and proof of insurance |
| Insurance | Homeowner's policy with liability and property damage coverage; dollar amounts are not specified |
| Decal | Registration sticker on the rear fender; permit displayed conspicuously |
| Other permits | A current permit from a neighboring jurisdiction is also recognized |
| Safety check | The cart must meet the Section 28-58 equipment list; the inspection procedure is not specified |
The Village's online form also states that registration is required with both the Village and the State of Florida. Confirm with the Village Clerk what state registration it expects for a standard golf cart.
Who can register and drive a golf cart in Palmetto Bay?
The owner must be at least 18 years old, and every driver must hold a current, valid driver's license. Copies of the owner's license and any additional drivers' licenses go with the application.
- Operators must obey state and local traffic laws like any other motor vehicle and can be ticketed the same way.
- Florida seat belt and child restraint rules apply.
- No more occupants than the factory seating, and no body parts outside the cart while it is moving.
What is the fine for driving an unregistered golf cart in Palmetto Bay?
Driving a golf cart without a current Village registration is a noncriminal civil citation of $150. Other violations of the golf cart chapter carry a civil citation of up to $150 per offense.
What equipment is required?
- Efficient locking brakes and reliable steering
- Safe tires
- Rear-view mirrors
- Windshield
- Red reflectorized warning devices, front and rear
- Headlights, tail lights and brake lights
- Turn signals
- Safety belts for driver and passengers
- Reverse warning device and horn
- Safety labels and the manufacturer's serial number plate
Are LSVs treated differently in Palmetto Bay?
The Village's form says a cart modified to go faster than 20 mph, up to 25 mph, must meet state specifications and be registered with the State as a low-speed vehicle with PIP and liability insurance, and that this is separate from the Village golf cart registration. Any further local LSV rule is not specified in the ordinance text we read.
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.