Davis Islands Golf Cart Laws (2026)

Davis Islands is the major exception to Tampa's normal public-road golf cart restrictions. Tampa Ordinance 2017-161 created Tampa Code Section 14-50, permitting standard golf carts on public roads within Davis Islands, excluding the bridges to the mainland. The ordinance allows night operation if the cart has the required lights, turn signals, brake lights, and windshield. Outside Davis Islands, a standard golf cart is generally not legal on Tampa public streets unless it is a registered LSV or another specific exception applies.

• Standard golf carts are permitted on public roads of Davis Islands under Tampa Code § 14-50
• The Davis Islands permission does not include bridges connecting the islands to the mainland
• A standard golf cart is defined as a golf-course vehicle not capable of exceeding 20 mph
• Basic required equipment includes efficient brakes, reliable steering, safe tires, rearview mirror, and front/rear reflectorized warning devices
• Night operation from sunset to sunrise is allowed only if the cart also has headlights, brake lights, turn signals, and a windshield
• Drivers must be at least 16, or at least 15 with a learner's license in compliance with Florida law
• Golf carts are subject to traffic laws applicable to motor vehicles when operated on public roads
• All occupants must remain seated on proper permanently attached seats while the cart is moving
• Golf carts may not operate on sidewalks or public property other than roadways or parking areas intended for motor vehicles
• The ordinance applies only to Davis Islands, not all of Tampa

• Davis Boulevard and East Davis Boulevard - central Davis Islands routes; obey posted traffic controls
• Channel Drive, Columbia Drive, Bosphorous Avenue, Barbados Avenue - neighborhood streets where local cart use is common
• Davis Islands Village commercial area - watch pedestrians, bikes, parking movements, and restaurant traffic
• Bridges to mainland Tampa - excluded from the Davis Islands golf cart permission
• Bayshore Boulevard and downtown Tampa streets - not covered by the Davis Islands standard golf cart ordinance

• Davis Islands is not a blanket Tampa golf cart law. The city ordinance is neighborhood-specific
• If you want to leave Davis Islands, use a normal vehicle or a properly titled, registered, insured LSV where Florida law allows it
• Add the night equipment package if you plan to drive after sunset
• Keep passengers seated. Standing on rear platforms or riding on laps is not allowed
• Sidewalk driving is prohibited even though Davis Islands is golf-cart friendly