Golf Carts in the City of Tavares

The City of Tavares has approved using neighborhood electric vehicles (NEV) such as golf carts and low-speed vehicles city-wide. The approval of golf cart usage on city roads is meant to increase the transportation options in the city in an ecologically convenient manner.

Carts can cross State Road 19 ONLY at Dead River Road (Shown at right Golf Cart Crossing at Dead River Road and State Road 19).
US Hwy 441 ONLY at Saint Clair Abrams Avenue and Banning Beach Road. (Shown below Golf Cart Crossing at 441 & St Clair Abrams/Banning Beach Road).

Golf Cart Ordinance Golf Cart Ordinance

Golf cart owners can now register their golf carts with the Tavares Police Department.

Tavares is a golf cart-friendly community, and these small neighborhood vehicles are a popular mode of transportation in and about the downtown area. Unlike cars and trucks, golf carts are not required to be registered with the State of Florida and do not have a Vehicle Identification Numbers (VIN) factory installed. With the rising popularity of golf carts as an inexpensive way of getting around, the carts can become easy targets for thieves if not properly secured. A registered golf cart is easier to trace and identify should it be stolen and, as a result, easier to reunite with its proper owner. The Tavares Police Department now offers this free, voluntary registration service to local golf cart owners.

Golf Cart Registration Form (Voluntary)

For more information, call 352.742.6200

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Can I ride my golf cart anywhere inside of Tavares?

A. No, not "anywhere," while Tavares is a golf cart-friendly city. According to F.S. § 320.01(22), a "golf cart" is defined as a motor vehicle; therefore, it can only operate on streets like motor vehicles.

Not on sidewalks
Not on bike paths
Not in or through parks or on pedestrian walkways (including but not limited to Wooton Park)
Not on boat or seaplane ramps
Not on or across US 441 or SR 19. Two exceptions for crossing US 441 and SR 19 granted by the Florida Department of Transportation are special exception golf cart crossings at:

SR 19 at Dead River Road
US 441 at Saint Clair Abrams Avenue to Banning Beach Road
Note: Golf carts shall comply with all applicable local and state traffic laws and may be ticketed for traffic and parking violations in the same manner as motor vehicles.

Q. Who can operate a golf cart?

A. Under the age of 18 he or she must possess a valid learner's license or valid driver's license. Age 18 and older must possess a valid form of government-issued photographic identification.

Q. Can I park my golf cart in a handicap space?

A. If you have a valid handicap decal/hangar, you may use it on your golf cart when parking at a handicap space.

Q. Can I operate my golf cart at night?

A. You may if your golf cart has the proper equipment per the ordinance.

Q. Do I have to have insurance on my golf cart?

A. The City of Tavares does not have an insurance requirement, but the state of Florida may, depending upon the top speed of your vehicle. Check with your insurance agent.

Q. I live in Lake Francis Estates. Can I go to the Winn Dixie shopping center?

A. You may use St. Clair Abrams Avenue to the frontage road of the Winn Dixie shopping center. The shopping center is private property that is next to the CRA. The owners of the center may or may not allow the operation of golf carts.