At Princeton Elementary in College Park, the Kennedys and their neighbors favor golf carts over cars for the school run, squeezing into the drop-off line more easily. However, they, like several other parents, recently found themselves the target of enforcement actions for lacking proper titling, registration, and insurance for their non-conforming vehicles. Orlando realtor Kris Kennedy revealed that the crackdown involved issuing printed warnings by Orlando Police listing various “low-speed vehicle violations,” signaling a change in approach towards golf cart users in the city. City commissioner Robert Stuart added that if the situation persisted, the police might have to resort to issuing tickets.
While technically not allowed on Orlando’s streets, golf carts are being transformed into low-speed vehicles to navigate city roads legally in compliance with Florida laws. Despite these changes, Commissioner Stuart cited problems across the city due to cart misuse and flouting of traffic laws. Thus, the drive for enforcement aims to address the safety concerns stemming from noncompliant golf cart use. However, despite the city’s emphasis on compliance, golf carts continue to be a contentious issue with heightened usage and safety concerns among locals.
In light of legal considerations, the latest events have brought to attention the finer points of the law. Under current laws, golf carts require insurance, registration, and other safety features to be legally operated on public roads. Furthermore, recent state laws call for drivers to possess specific types of licensing to operate these low-speed vehicles, with the laws undergoing recent changes under Gov. Ron DeSantis’ administration.
Nevertheless, the issue remains divisive within Orlando’s neighborhoods, with some questioning the necessity of the heavy-handed approach. Opponents argue that golf carts represent a cost-effective, eco-friendly means of transportation and can be made safe with appropriate regulation. However, the increasing presence of golf carts in residential neighborhoods raises concerns about safety and traffic laws, mirroring national concerns about the growing number of children injured in golf-cart-related incidents. As the issue continues to unfold, City Council members are grappling with striking the right balance between regulation and flexibility in accommodating the needs of a growing neighborhood that finds golf carts a convenient, family-friendly mode of transportation.
Daniel Miller takes readers to the greens with his passion for golf. He offers coverage of major golf tournaments, player achievements, and insights into the sport’s rich history, making him a trusted source for golf enthusiasts.
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