In most cases, the answer is no. Generally speaking, it's illegal to operate a golf cart on the sidewalk in Florida. There are a few obvious reasons for this. Manufacturers design these vehicles to only drive speeds of 20 mph; otherwise, a faster speed can cause the golf cart to flip or roll over.
The moment the golf cart exceeds 20 miles per hour, it becomes an LSV and is subject to an entirely different set of rules. However, even if you drive your golf cart or LSV completely safely, you can be hit or run over by other negligent drivers on the road. It's confusing that some vehicles marketed as golf carts can exceed 20 miles per hour, which technically makes them LSV vehicles. Florida law 316,212 allows municipalities to authorize the use of golf carts and utility vehicles on certain public roads.
You should also keep in mind that many people convert their golf carts into low-speed vehicles by making adaptations and modifications. One thing that golf carts and light utility vehicles have in common is the ability to drive them in residential neighborhoods. You'll find Florida residents and visitors driving golf carts on the sidewalk and, in some places, on the highway. However, different local governments may have different laws that can define when you can ride in your golf cart.
In response to this, many Florida residents have found alternative forms of transportation, whether it's a bicycle, public transportation, a ride-sharing app, or even a golf cart. Golf carts must avoid highways, but according to Florida Statute 316,212, a golf cart operator can cross a road if he divides a subdivision, caravan park, or golf course. If your golf cart has major modifications and is now a low-speed vehicle, it should be treated as such. When driving a golf cart in Florida, you must still comply with traffic regulations, such as giving way.
The third section of Florida law 316,212 states that a golf cart can cross a state highway whenever it divides a subdivision, a mobile home park, or a golf course.
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