What to Know About Golf Cart Speed in Florida
Golf carts are an increasingly popular way for golfers to get around the course. Their efficient design allows golf carts to provide a comfortable and enjoyable ride.
Besides the golf course, some golf carts are street-legal and can be used for everyday errands in some areas of Florida.
While golf carts are seen more and more across the country, each state has laws and regulations concerning how fast they can go. If you live in Florida and plan to use a golf cart either on the course or on the street, you should know a few things about speed limits and other regulations.
Let's look at how fast can golf carts go and other important regulations to consider to ride safely in the area.
What Is the Average Golf Cart Speed?
According to Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FHSMV), golf carts are considered low-speed vehicles (LSV); this means the maximum speed limit for golf carts on a public road (including sidewalks) is 25 mph.
Golf Course Speed Limit
The average golf cart speed on a golf course will vary depending on the model, but overall, they must have a top speed of between 5 and 20 mph.
Most electric golf carts on the course will have a top speed of around 10 mph, while gas-powered models typically reach up to 20 mph or more.
Local laws or regulations may limit the maximum speed on some courses. For example, many municipal systems may have a 15 mph limit for safety reasons.
Street Legal Golf Carts Limit
Regarding street-legal golf carts in Florida, these vehicles must adhere to state laws regarding speed limits and other requirements.
Street-legal golf carts must be equipped with headlights, taillights, windshields, seat belts, and mirrors that comply with the law.
Additionally, they must stay within the posted speed limit for the area (25 mph) and any lower posted limits for specific roads or areas, such as school zones or residential neighborhoods.
Drivers need to remember that LSVs must be registered, titled, and insured with PIP and PDL insurance in case anyone gets hurt or anything gets damaged.
A valid driver's license must also be carried at all times by anyone operating an LSV.
Limited-Speed Vehicles are restricted to roads having a speed restriction of 35 mph or less and are required to have the following safety features to be driven legally:
- Headlamps
- Front and rear turn signals
- Stop lamps
- Tail lamps
- Reflex reflectors, red - one on each side and one on the rear
- Exterior mirror on the driver's side and an interior rear-view mirror or exterior mirror on the passenger side
- Parking brake
- Windshield
- Seat belt for each designated seat
- Vehicle identification number (VIN).
How to Make a Golf Cart Faster
First and foremost, it is essential to remember that tampering with a golf cart's speed limiter or accelerator can result in a fine and a suspended license.
Nonetheless, there are legal and safe ways to increase the speed of your golf cart. Here are some of our tips.
- The easiest and most affordable option is upgrading the battery and maintaining it properly.
- A higher-quality battery will provide more power and a higher top speed, while proper maintenance will keep the battery in peak condition.
- Another option is to install additional batteries, which will help you achieve a higher top speed.
- You can also invest in performance parts, such as upgraded tires and motors, which will help increase your golf cart's speed.
- Finally, consider installing a chip or controller that will allow you to adjust the speed of your cart. This is an especially good option if you use the cart on the golf course and public streets.
.jpg)
Extra tip: Upgrading tires; increasing air intake; replacing brake pads; adjusting suspension heights; installing gearsets; adding weights; and changing drive clutch settings can help improve your cart's top-end speed and acceleration time from 0-20mph.
Get the Best Golf Carts and Accessories at Wildar
Wildar Golf Carts & Trailers offers a wide selection of high-quality golf carts and accessories to fit your individual needs. From performance parts to custom paint jobs, we have everything you need to make your golf cart faster and more reliable.
Our team of experienced technicians can also help you with all aspects of installation and maintenance.
Visit us today to get your game's best golf carts and accessories.