Statura IntelligenceAuthorize and regulate golf cart operation on city streets
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Page 1 of 6 – Ordinance No. 2026-09 CITY OF CORAL GABLES, FLORIDA ORDINANCE NO. 2026-09 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COMMISSION FLORIDA, AMENDING CHAPTER 74, “TRAFFIC AND VEHICLES,” OF THE CITY CODE, CREATING ARTICLE X – “GOLF CARTS”; AUTHORIZING AND REGULATING THE OPERATION OF GOLF CARTS ON DESIGNATED CITY STREETS; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY, REPEALER, CODIFICATION, AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE. WHEREAS, pursuant to Chapter 316, Florida Statutes, local governments are authorized to regulate traffic and designate certain streets for the operation of golf carts within their municipal boundaries; and WHEREAS, the City Commission recognizes that golf carts, when properly regulated, may serve as a limited, low-speed mobility option for short trips within residential neighborhoods; and WHEREAS, the City Commission further recognizes the importance of balancing neighborhood mobility options with the preservation of public safety, pedestrian access, and the City’s historic, walkable urban character; and WHEREAS, the City Commission intends that golf cart operation be limited to designated local streets with appropriate speed limits, and expressly excluded from sidewalks;
NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF CORAL GABLES, FLORIDA: SECTION 1. That the foregoing “WHEREAS” clauses are hereby ratified and confirmed as being true and correct and are hereby made a specific part of this Ordinance upon adoption hereof. SECTION 2. Chapter 74 of the City Code, is amended as attached in Exhibit A1: SECTION 3. All ordinances or parts of ordinances inconsistent or in conflict with the provisions of this Ordinance are hereby repealed. SECTION 4. If any section, part of section, paragraph, clause, phrase or word of this Ordinance is declared invalid, the remaining provisions of this Ordinance shall not be affected. SECTION 5. It is the intention of the Commission of the City of Coral Gables, Florida, that the provisions of this Ordinance shall become and be made part of the City Code and that the sections of this “ordinance” may be changed to “section”, “article”, or such other appropriate word or phrase in order to accomplish such intentions. 1 Deletions are indicated by strikethrough. Insertions are indicated by underline. Docusign Envelope ID: 1AD50AFA-3E02-4398-9A84-31CE2E3FB1F0 Page 2 of 6 – Ordinance No. 2026-09 SECTION 6. If the City Code Table of Contents or other reference portions is affected by these provisions, then changes are approved as a part of this Ordinance. SECTION 7. This Ordinance shall become effective upon its passage and adoption herein. PASSED AND ADOPTED THIS TENTH DAY OF MARCH, A.D., 2026. (Moved: Fernandez / Seconded: Anderson) (Yeas: Fernandez, Lara, Anderson, Castro, Lago) (Unanimous: 5-0 Vote) (Agenda Item: E-1) APPROVED: VINCE LAGO MAYOR ATTEST: BILLY Y. URQUIA CITY CLERK APPROVED AS TO FORM AND LEGAL SUFFICIENCY: CRISTINA M. SUÁREZ CITY ATTORNEY Docusign Envelope ID: 1AD50AFA-3E02-4398-9A84-31CE2E3FB1F0 Page 3 of 6 – Ordinance No. 2026-09 Exhibit “A” ARTICLE X. – GOLF CARTS Sec. 74-400. Legislative intent. It is the intent of this article to permit and regulate the operation of golf carts on designated local streets within the City of Coral Gables in a manner that promotes public safety, protects pedestrians, and minimizes conflicts with vehicular traffic. This Article shall not apply to Low-Speed Vehicles as defined in
01(42), Florida Statutes, or
003, Florida Statutes. Low-Speed Vehicles shall be governed exclusively by applicable provisions of Chapter 316, Florida Statutes, and any other applicable state or federal law. Nothing in this Article shall be construed to regulate, restrict, or impose additional equipment, titling, registration, or operational requirements upon Low-Speed Vehicles beyond those authorized by general law. Sec. 74-401. Definitions For purposes of this article, the following terms shall have the meanings set forth below: Designated Streets means those local streets with a speed limit of 25 miles per hour or less. Golf Cart A motor vehicle designed and manufactured for operation on a golf course for sporting or recreational purposes as defined in F.S. § 316.003(27). Permit An official authorization designating that the Golf Cart to which the authorization is affixed meets the requirements of the City Code. Sec. 74-402. Authorized use. (a) Only those Golf Carts which have been issued Permits by the Coral Gables Police Department may be operated on all Designated Streets within the City. (b) A Permit to use a Golf Cart on a Designated Street does not permit entry onto private property or semi-private property, including private roads. Access to these areas may be regulated by property owners and/or property managers. Docusign Envelope ID: 1AD50AFA-3E02-4398-9A84-31CE2E3FB1F0 Page 4 of 6 – Ordinance No. 2026-09 Sec. 74-403. Prohibited Use The operation of a golf cart within the City is prohibited under the following conditions: (a) By any person who does not possess a valid driver’s license; (b) On any street, roadway, or right-of-way not designated pursuant to this article; (c) On sidewalks, bicycle paths, swales, landscaped areas, parks, or golf courses except where expressly authorized; (d) In violation of any state, county, or City traffic law; (e) While obstructing or impeding normal vehicular or pedestrian traffic; (f) While carrying more passengers than the golf cart is designed to carry. Sec. 74-404. Permit and inspection. (a) Each golf cart operated pursuant to this article shall be registered by the City Police Department or its designee. (b) Prior to issuance of a Permit, the owner shall submit a completed application, proof of insurance meeting minimum requirements of Florida law, and payment of a permit fee established by resolution of the City Commission. (c) A Permit shall be issued upon successful registration and shall be affixed to the golf cart in a conspicuous location at all times. Sec. 74-405. Required equipment. A golf cart operated pursuant to this article shall be equipped with, at a minimum: 1. Efficient brakes; 2. Reliable steering apparatus; 3. Safe tires; 4. At least one rearview mirror; 5. Headlights and taillights; 6. Brake lights and turn signals meeting applicable state standards; 7. Reflective warning devices on the front and rear; 8. A slow-moving vehicle emblem; 9. Seat belts for each seating position; and 10. An audible warning device. Golf carts operated pursuant to this article shall not be wrapped, covered, or altered with vinyl, graphics, decals, or other materials that materially change the exterior appearance of the vehicle from its manufacturer-issued condition, except for safety markings, registration decals, or permits required by law. Docusign Envelope ID: 1AD50AFA-3E02-4398-9A84-31CE2E3FB1F0 Page 5 of 6 – Ordinance No. 2026-09 Sec. 74-406. Operators. Only persons holding a valid driver’s license may operate a golf cart on Designated Streets within the City. Sec. 74-407. Traffic laws. (a) Operators of golf carts shall comply with all applicable traffic laws as if operating a motor vehicle. (b) All occupants shall comply with applicable seat belt and child restraint requirements under Florida law for operating a motor vehicle. (c) Golf carts shall yield the right-of-way to pedestrians at all times. (d) Any person who violates a provision of this article that constitutes a violation of chapter 316, Florida Statutes, including but not limited to
212, Florida Statutes, shall be subject to enforcement by Uniform Traffic Citation (UTC) and the penalties and procedures set forth in chapters 316 and 318, Florida Statutes, as may be amended. (e) Violations of this article that do not constitute violations of state traffic law may be enforced by the issuance of a noncriminal civil citation pursuant to this Code and chapter 162, Florida Statutes, or as otherwise authorized by law. (f) Driving a Golf Cart without valid registration will result in a fine of $150.00. A second and any subsequent violation(s) within twelve (12) months of a prior violation will result in a fine of $300.00. (g) Enforcement of this article by Uniform Traffic Citation or civil citation shall be within the authority of the Coral Gables Police Department Sec. 74-408. Enforcement; Authority to Stop and Inspect (a) Any sworn law enforcement officer of the City is authorized to stop a golf cart operating upon any roadway, right-of-way, or public property within the City for the purpose of determining compliance with this Article and applicable provisions of Chapter 316, Florida Statutes. (b) Upon such stop, the operator shall, upon request: 1. Provide proof of City registration, if required by this Article; 2. Provide valid driver’s license; 3. Demonstrate compliance with all equipment and safety requirements set forth in this Code and state law; and 4, Provide proof of insurance if required by this Article. Docusign Envelope ID: 1AD50AFA-3E02-4398-9A84-31CE2E3FB1F0 Page 6 of 6 – Ordinance No. 2026-09 Law enforcement officers are authorized to visually inspect the golf cart for required safety equipment and compliance with City registration decals or identifiers. (c) Any violation of this Article may be enforced through issuance of a Uniform Traffic Citation, civil citation, or notice to appear, as applicable under Florida law and the City Code. Nothing herein limits the authority of the City to impound a golf cart when authorized by law. (d) Operation of a golf cart within the City constitutes consent to inspection for compliance with this Article. Sec. 74-409. Insurance Requirements. (a) Any operator of a golf cart on the designated streets shall be covered by motor vehicle or other liability insurance that includes operation of the golf cart insuring the owner and/or operator against loss from liability for bodily injury, death, and property damage arising out of the ownership, maintenance, or use of a motor vehicle of not less that the limits described in
021(7), Florida Statutes, as may be amended Sec. 74-410. Suspension and Revocation of Golf Cart Registration (a) The City Manager or designee is authorized to suspend or revoke any golf cart registration issued pursuant to this Article for violation of this Article, violation of Chapter 316, Florida Statutes, or for any conduct that poses a threat to public health, safety, or welfare. (b) Notwithstanding any other provision, the City may immediately suspend or revoke a golf cart registration without prior notice where the City determines that continued operation poses an imminent risk to public safety. (c)Registration of a golf cart under this Article is a revocable privilege and shall not be deemed a property right or vested entitlement. The City reserves the right to revoke, suspend, modify, or terminate any registration at any time, with or without cause, to protect the public health, safety, and welfare. Docusign Envelope ID: 1AD50AFA-3E02-4398-9A84-31CE2E3FB1F0
Official documents
City legislative record from the City Commission Legistar feed. The Ask-Statura brief is an AI interpretation grounded in this item's metadata, not legal advice.