By Coral Gables Gazette staff
The Coral Gables Commission unanimously approved the first reading of an ordinance that would allow golf carts to operate on certain city streets, taking an initial step toward what Mayor Vince Lago described as a “friendlier, slower-paced community.” The vote took place at the Commission’s Jan. 13 meeting and advances a proposal that could significantly change how residents move around the City Beautiful.
A proposal aimed at slower streets
Under the ordinance, golf carts would be permitted on city roads with posted speed limits of 25 miles per hour or less, a category that largely includes residential streets. Lago, who sponsored the item, said the proposal aligns with broader efforts to calm traffic and foster a stronger sense of neighborhood connection.
“This is something that brings the community together,” Lago said, adding that he has seen more residents interested in alternative, low-speed modes of transportation and believes the city can accommodate that interest safely if proper rules are in place.
Commissioners voiced general support for the concept, though questions remained about the details that would need to be resolved before a final vote. Commissioner Ariel Fernandez focused on insurance requirements, cautioning against approving a program without adequate protections for both golf cart users and other motorists.
“I wouldn’t want to give an approval of something if we don’t have a method that should be required for some sort of protection, for not just the person driving and passengers, but also for the other drivers that are motorists that are on the road as well,” Fernandez said.
How the ordinance would work
Assistant City Attorney Gustavo J. Ceballos walked the commission through the ordinance and the framework being proposed. Ceballos, who noted that he drives a low-speed vehicle (LSV) to City Hall most days, emphasized that the measure would not alter state rules governing LSVs, which are already allowed on roads with speed limits of up to 35 mph and must be registered, insured, and licensed like cars.
Instead, the ordinance would create a separate, city-run process for golf carts, which are otherwise prohibited from public streets unless a municipality adopts a local program authorized under state law. “This will allow for golf carts on designated roads,” Ceballos said, explaining that Coral Gables would limit their use to streets with 25 mph speed limits or lower.
While many of the specifics are still being worked out, Ceballos said golf carts would need to be inspected by the city and equipped with safety features commonly found on LSVs, including turn signals, seat belts, horns, and other signaling devices. Unlike LSVs, golf carts would not require a state-issued license plate, but they would need a city-issued decal displayed on the vehicle.
Drivers would also be required to hold a valid driver’s license, a provision intended to prevent younger teenagers from operating golf carts on city streets. “We’re not going to have 13- or 14-year-olds driving these,” Ceballos said. He added that he would research insurance requirements and return with additional information prior to the second reading of the ordinance.
Safety and insurance questions raised
Despite the commission’s largely positive reception, not all the public is seeminly along for the ride. Frequent City Hall critic Maria Cruz told commissioners she regularly encounters golf carts packed with children during her trips to southern Miami-Dade and has witnessed numerous near-accidents.
“If nothing else, we should make a requirement of wearing helmets,” Cruz said. “My concern is we should make sure the kids are safe.”
Public skepticism and past objections
Other residents voiced objections when the golf cart proposal was first disussed in December. Attorney Jorge M. Suro cited warnings in golf cart manufacturers’ manuals that caution against operating the vehicles on public roads, noting his experience handling serious injury cases involving golf carts. Resident Olga Carrasco questioned how the city would enforce proper use when, in her view, existing rules governing e-bikes, scooters, and other devices are already inconsistently enforced. Former trauma surgeon Patricia Byers, MD, urged the commission to leave the status quo in place, arguing that golf carts pose inherent dangers on city streets.
The Coral Gables Police Department has not yet formally weighed in. In December, Sergeant Michelle Christensen wrote that the department was working on enforcement options related to e-bikes, scooters, and golf carts, but as of publication no further details had been provided.
Golf carts are a common sight in nearby communities such as Key Biscayne, Palmetto Bay, and South Miami, while Coral Gables has historically restricted them, aside from golf courses. The ordinance, if ultimately adopted, would mark a shift toward joining those municipalities—albeit with local rules tailored to Coral Gables’ streets and aesthetics.
What comes next
The ordinance must still pass a second reading before becoming law. Between now and then, commissioners are expected to receive more detail on inspections, insurance, enforcement, and how the city would implement and monitor a golf cart program intended to balance convenience with safety.
This Post Has 5 Comments
Although I welcome the idea of the Golf carts on our streets, it will be almost impossible to enforce the regulations. Many streets in our neighborhoods are 35 MPH with only side streets being 25 MPH. Today I see many LSVs without a Tag and worse, teenagers at the wheel.
On the positive side, this will be a boom for business owners to modify existing golf carts to meet the regulation or simply sell factory ready models at a premium.
My concern is 1) safety and 2) unlicensed drivers going for a joy ride, 3) enforcement.
I can see more police of city cars patrolling, adding additional costs to the city
Unless you live in a golf course community, there is no need for golf carts on public roads, there are enough distractions as it is on our roads cyclists, walkers,,runners, scooters.
Are you kidding! Think about it , where in this city have you ever seen anyone drive consistently at or below the posted 25 mph limit.
@Patrick. I agree. I have sent emails to the commissioners about the speed freaks in my neigborhood. I had requested speed bumps on two streets, San Vicente and Maggiore. No action although my email was forwarded to the Public Works. Although the speed limit is 35 MPH, most cars are doing 45-50. I even talked to a patrolman and he stated and agreed, but the police cannot do anything unless they post patrol cars with radars at various points.
A standard golf cart weighs between 900 and 1,200 pounds, while a midsize sedan such as a Toyota Camry and a Honda Pilot 3,000 to 4,200 pounds. Mid size SUV’s weigh much more. It’s a given, it’s plainly foreseeable that motor vehicle collisions will happen. It is also foreseeable and common sense that in a collision between a golf cart and a mid size sedan the unprotected occupants of a golf cart – such as a child and/or grownups – may be killed, end up with permanent brain damage, may end up quadriplegic, dismembered! The occupants of the midsize will more likely than not suffer any physical damage because of the seat belt, airbag, and metal protection that built into it. However, they will have to live with the emotional damage and suffering that such accidents cause.
So, will the commissioners who vote in favor of this. What are they going to tell their children, grandchildren, and other loved ones? That they did not read the warnings of the golf cart manufacturers that they are not designed for public roads? That they read them and decided – against common sense and responsibility!