Golf Carting in Florida

Those operating golf carts in Florida should understand that the Florida legislature intends to protect persons and property from the all-too-common accidents associated with golf carts and other motorists and pedestrians.
Fun, convenient, and with many styles, it is no wonder why so many Floridians enjoy taking the golf cart out for a ride – and not just around the golf course. In fact, using golf carts in both private and public settings has led to the Florida Legislature to enact specific laws pertaining to golf carts in § 316.212. Of course, other rules also apply to golf carts when operated on public roads – such as observance of the right-of-way and especially DUI laws! Also, the law requires golf carts to observe traffic rules as well as be equipped with efficient brakes, steering, tires, rear-view mirrors, and even to specifically have reflective red warning devices on the front and back of the golf ca

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The legislature has also determined to categorize golf carts as a “dangerous instrumentality” and that means that those operating them can subject themselves to serious criminal liability. In fact, as recent as this week in Omaha a golf cart driver was charged with three counts related to the unintentional death of his companion while driving their golf cart unlawfully on the highway. This tragic example is becoming all too common, and the number of injuries and deaths sustained by occupants of golf carts are increasing at an alarming rate in Florida as well. For this reason alone, it is a good idea to have some measure of insurance – preferably both liability and medical payments – to cover yourself and your family in the event of an accident. We will discuss more on the benefits and even the possibility that your golf cart is already covered after we discuss some common injuries in golf cart accidents first.

Deaths related to golf carts are mostly attributed to roll-over accidents where the driver or passenger becomes pinned under the golf cart and tragically perishes as a result of the injuries sustained in the primary accident or from suffocation. However, most injuries from golf carts are soft-tissue related. Surprisingly, the majority of those injured in golf cart accidents are also minors, under 16 years old. However, all types of injuries are seen and treated as common accident-related injuries in Florida hospitals. And, not all those injured were in the golf cart to start with: Pedestrians and even traditional motorists can be injured as a result of negligent golf carting. This fact led to the legislative purpose of categorizing golf carts as dangerous instrumentalities in the first place. This fact also highlights the importance of ensuring insurance coverage on the golf cart and anyone who could be injured in the golf cart.

It is likely that your golf cart will be covered under a rider in either your homeowner’s or an existing auto or recreational motor vehicle policy. Your best bet is to have your golf cart specifically listed in that existing policy. The responsible golf cart owner/operator will also make sure medical payments are included in the insurance policy. The reason for this is Florida’s PIP benefits do not apply to a person struck and injured by an insured vehicle while the injured person was not an occupant of a self-propelled vehicle (such as a Jitney or golf cart).