Oviedo allows golf carts on city streets with new registration rules

Suspect arrested in months-long golf cart theft operation

According to the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to a home on Clarke Street and discovered what they believe was a months-long theft operation tied to stolen golf carts and equipment across the county. Investigators say outside a travel trailer where 40-year-old Joshua Harrell had been squatting, they found multiple stolen golf carts, a UTV and thousands of dollars in professional-grade tools.

ORLANDO, Fla. - The City of Oviedo has officially opened its streets to registered golf carts, providing residents with a new, low-speed transportation option. 

The move comes with a set of regulations designed to ensure safety while allowing limited street access.

What we know:

Golf carts in Oviedo can now be registered to drive on city streets with speed limits of 30 mph or less. They are prohibited from traveling on state or county roads but may cross them at signalized intersections where proper signage is present. Drivers must hold a valid driver’s license, and carts must be registered and insured. Learner’s permit holders may only operate a golf cart if accompanied by an adult at least 21 years old with a valid license.

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The registration process includes a $30 fee and must be completed in person at the City’s Utility Department in the Annex Building at 320 Alexandria Blvd. Golf cart drivers are subject to the same traffic laws as other motorists. Residents are encouraged to review the full regulations on the Police Department’s website.

What we don't know:

It is unclear how many residents plan to register golf carts or how enforcement of the new rules will be monitored.

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The city has not detailed penalties for violations beyond the standard traffic laws, nor has it provided guidance on whether insurance rates may be affected by street use. The long-term impact on local traffic safety and congestion is also not yet known.

Big picture view:

By allowing golf carts on limited roads, the city joins a growing number of communities in Florida and nationwide adopting similar measures for neighborhood convenience while emphasizing safety regulations. Golf carts have been a staple in The Villages for years.