§ 17-3. Operation of golf cars.

(a)

General designation of roads and streets for golf cart operation.

(1)

Golf carts are defined as a motor vehicle designed and manufactured for operation on a golf course for sporting or recreational purposes that is not capable of exceeding speeds of twenty (20) miles per hour.

(2)

Golf carts meeting the definition set forth in subsection (1) may be operated on those county roads or streets designated for golf cart usage through a resolution of the board of county commissioners. The resolution shall contain a determination that the golf carts may safely travel on or cross the designated roads or streets, and consider such factors as the speed, volume and character of the motor vehicle traffic using the road or street.

(3)

The provision of appropriate signage designating such areas and regulating the use of golf carts shall be the responsibility of the director of public works.

(4)

All golf carts operated upon properly designated roads and streets shall meet the minimum equipment standards established by the Florida Statutes. Golf carts may be operated, unless otherwise set by resolution, between the hours before sunrise and after sunset if equipped with, at a minimum, headlights, brake lights, turn signals, a windshield, and reflective devices on the sides of the golf cart that could include reflective tape. Golf carts that do not meet the minimum equipment standards for operation between the hours before sunrise and after sunset shall only be permitted to operate between sunrise and sunset.

(5)

In no event shall this section authorize the operation of golf carts on roads or streets within the jurisdiction of the state or within the jurisdiction of any municipality.

(6)

Golf carts that have been modified to exceed the speed of twenty (20) miles per hour shall not be considered golf carts under the provisions stated herein, and are not afforded the rights provided by this section.

(b)

Operation of golf carts within self-contained retirement communities.

(1)

Golf carts may be operated within a community designated through a resolution of the Sumter County Board of County Commissioners as being a "self-contained retirement community," as defined and authorized by F.S. § 316.2125. Any community within Sumter County that believes that it qualifies as a self-contained retirement community as set forth in F.S. § 316.2125 and this Code, shall file with the office of the county manager, a petition containing the following information:

a.

The complete legal name of the community, as well as the name of the individual(s) or entity that owns the community;

b.

The legal description of the community, or if the community is a development of regional impact (DRI), the name(s) and effective dates of such DRI;

c.

The basis for the community's contention that it is a self-contained retirement community;

d.

The name(s) of the roadway(s) within the boundary of the community that petitioner believes can be safely included in the designation of the self-contained retirement community;

e.

The name(s) of the roadway(s) within the boundary of the community that petitioner believes should be excluded from the designation of the self-contained retirement community because such prohibition is necessary in the interest of safety.

(2)

The Sumter County Board of County Commissioners shall consider such petitions, and if satisfied that the community qualifies as a self contained retirement community, may pass a resolution which shall contain a determination that golf carts may travel on or across the designated roads or streets, and take into consideration such factors as the speed, volume and character of the motor vehicle traffic using the road(s) or street(s).

(3)

Golf carts traveling in a properly designated self contained retirement community pursuant to this section, shall meet the minimum equipment standards and requirements set forth in F.S. § 316.212(5), (6) and (7).

(Ord. No. 2003-19, § 2, 10-28-03; Ord. No. 2011-07, § 3(att. A), 4-26-11)