INDIAN ROCKS BEACH — Spend a few hours anywhere in Pinellas County these days and chances are you’ll spot a golf cart, an electric bicycle or some other low-speed vehicle buzzing along local roads.
The vehicles, known broadly as low-speed vehicles, or LSVs, have become a popular way to get around, from the narrow streets of Dunedin to Gulf Boulevard’s beach communities. They’re cheaper than cars, easier to operate and burn little or no fuel. But their growing numbers have brought problems, including a string of serious crashes, prompting state and local officials to revisit the rules governing their use.
In Indian Rocks Beach, the City Commission has approved changes to the city’s ordinance on golf carts, LSVs and micromobility devices that City Attorney Matt Maggard said are needed to bring the city in line with state requirements.
“We’re making changes to update the ordinance to make sure that it can be properly enforced by both code enforcement and also law enforcement,” Maggard said May 12.
The old code, he said, “allowed anybody 14 years or older to operate a golf cart on a city designated road,” while “the state statute requires that it must be operated on a public street by anybody 18 years of age” unless the driver holds a valid driver’s license, or a learner’s permit while driving with a licensed adult.
The changes also add equipment requirements for LSVs operating on public roads and “cleaned up the penalties to make it a little more clear for law enforcement what the penalties are,” Maggard said.
Noncompliant operators found on a city street could be cited for a local ordinance violation carrying a fine of up to $500, he said. Those caught on Gulf Boulevard could also receive a traffic ticket.
“So, they could be cited for both,” he said.
Mayor Lan Vaughan said the change means “a golf cart may not be operated on public roads or streets by a person who is under 18 years of age,” and he asked whether the city would notify the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office.
“Yes, Mayor,” City Manager Ryan Henderson replied. Because the ordinance matches those in neighboring beach communities, he added, “I think there’s an appreciation from the sheriff’s office that we’re in uniformity.”
Henderson said informing the public is another key part of the effort.
“People might think they were already acting under the state law,” he said. “So, it’ll be reiterating what our ordinance change would encompass and communicating that effectively.”
That outreach will include stopping to talk with LSV operators around town, he said.
“It’s about communicating what the ordinance change is so everyone is understanding of that,” he said.
The commission passed the ordinance 5-0 on first reading. A second and final reading is set for 6 p.m. Tuesday, June 9.
Officials urge residents to register golf carts
With the new rules in place, the city is asking owners of unlicensed golf carts to register them at City Hall.
“The City of Indian Rocks Beach is requesting that all owners of golf carts without a license plate visit City Hall to register for the new Resident Golf Cart Parking Decal,” the city said in a May 28 Facebook post. “This decal will help the City better identify resident golf carts and support parking management efforts throughout our community.”
The decal ties into the city’s paid parking pilot program, which began May 18. Under the six-month trial, nonresidents pay $4.50 an hour to park at more than 180 beach access spaces, while residents with a decal — golf carts included — park free at any city spot.
To register, owners should visit City Hall during business hours, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, and drive the cart there so staff can verify the information and attach the decal, the city said.
The city requires a valid driver’s license and proof of property ownership; renters must show a current lease with a term of at least one year. There is no fee.
For more information, call City Hall at 727-595-2517.