10 things to know about golf carts in Mount Dora

ABOVE: On the left is a common body style of an LSV cart parked downtown. On the right is a common golf cart body type.

Mount Dora has gone all-in on golf-cart culture.  Not only is it a fun social ride, it also makes parking easier due to the smaller space required to park carts and the designated parking lot.  Still, there are unique, and sometimes confusing, rules that pertain to driving a golf cart in the city. Here are 10 things locals should know before cruising Mount Dora in a cart:

What’s the difference between a golf cart and a LSV?
The first thing to understand is the legal difference between a golf cart and a Low Speed Vehicle (LSV) cart.  Golf carts are seen and driven primarily on a golf course and sometimes around a private neighborhood. Legally, their maximum speed capacity must not exceed 20 miles per hour.  If a golf cart is modified to go faster than 20 miles per hour, it must register with the State of Florida as a Low Speed Vehicle (LSV), which falls under different laws and requirements.

Many originally manufactured LSV’s can look like golf carts, but they have a maximum legal speed of more than 20 miles per hour, but not exceed 25 miles an hour, per Section 320.01(41), Florida Statutes.  Although some are manufactured to go faster, they often have the speed restricted for compliance and safety.  LSV carts are required to have safety equipment just like a car -- head and tail lights, a windshield, side mirrors, seat belts for all seats, parking brake, reflectors, and front and rear blinkers. LSVs often come with more optional bells and whistles than golf carts, including lift kits, larger rims, upgraded seats, and other eye candy.  LSVs will also have a standard 17-digit VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) mounted somewhere on the body of the vehicle.

How do the registration requirements differ between golf carts & LSV carts?
In Florida, LSV carts must be titled and registered with the State just like a car.  That means, LSVs are legally required to have a Florida license plate and valid tag. The benefit is that they can legally drive on streets or roads that have a speed limit of 35 miles per hour or less, including in Mount Dora. 

Separately, a Florida law gives cities the ability to adopt ordinances with rules to allow golf carts on some of their streets.  In Mount Dora, golf carts must be registered with the city after being insured and meeting the following equipment standards:  

• a windshield 
• a driver’s side exterior mirror 
• a rear-view mirror or a passenger’s side-exterior mirror 
• head and tail lights 
• brakes and parking brake 
• reflectors (rear and side) 
• front and rear blinkers 
• a horn 
• a safety grab bar for any rear-facing seats  

What is the cost to register both types of vehicles?
Registration by the City of Mount Dora for golf carts is $25 for the first year and $10 for annual renewal.  The required Florida registration for an LSV is $225 for a first-time registration and then annual renewals are approximately $40.  Since the LSV carts are required to be registered with the State, they do not have to be registered with the city,

What streets can golf carts legally be driven on in Mount Dora?
Unlike LSVs, which can go on roads with speed limits up to 35 miles per hour (Section 316.2122, Florida Statutes), city registered golf carts are only allowed on slower streets in Mount Dora (see map below).  For instance, they can travel to downtown via slower residential back streets, but not Highland, Fifth Avenue, Old 441,  Eudora Road, or parts of Donnelly Street.

How old do you have to be to drive a golf cart or LSV in Mount Dora? 
The rules for cars also apply to golf carts and LSVs in Mount Dora. Drivers must have a valid Florida driver’s license or have a valid Florida learner’s permit and be accompanied by an adult licensed driver of at least 21 years of age.

Do golf carts and LSVs on Mount Dora streets have to be insured?
Yes, both require insurance.

Can a golf cart be converted to an LSV?
Yes. Once retrofitted with all the required equipment and improved speed capacity, the DMV will inspect the vehicle.  If it passes, it will be assigned a State-issued 17-digit VIN that will be affixed to the frame.  The DMV will also issue a title classifying it as an LSV to provide for the required registration and plating once it's insured.

Do the electric vehicle charging stations in Mount Dora charge golf carts or LSVs?
No, the charging port, batteries and their battery chemistries are different. Those stations only charge cars.

What are the different types of batteries for electric LSVs and golf carts?
Both types of vehicles can have batteries that are either lead-acid batteries, traditional lithium ion, or lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO₄).  The latter is the most up-to-date battery with less risk of fire.  The amount of voltage of any battery type is key, due to the area’s hills.  The more voltage, the better torque and acceleration for sustained hill-climbing in Mount Dora.

What are tips for buying a used LSV?
Just like any vehicle, make sure the LSV cart is titled. If it has a valid Florida license plate belonging to it then it has been titled, so just make sure the title is clear and in hand. 
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WIth so many LSV manufacturers popping up, make sure you know the closest place that can service it.  Also, check reviews and Reddit forums on the reliability of the make, model and year that you’re considering.

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, visit the area's website and download the area's free mobile app.  ​​Be sure to follow Mount Dora Buzz's Instagram  and Facebook page for more local info.

ABOVE: Map of streets where golf carts are allowed and prohibited. Green is allowed and red is prohibited. State-registered LSVs can travel on the red streets (zoom into map, as red isn't easily identifable on city map).

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