Pasco County approved new golf cart trail rules on October 20, 2026, with separate tests for paved width and clear width. The county’s posted ordinance requires at least 10 feet of pavement and 15 feet of total clear width for trail designation. WUSF reported the unanimous approval the next day.
Golf Cart Search reviewed all seven pages. Section 106-62 lets the county engineer vary the clear-width requirement for topographic conditions. That exception does not extend to the 10-foot paved minimum. The same document requires a separate trail authorization, a board-submitted application within an HOA or CDD, and additional equipment for driving after sunset.
Does Pasco require a 15-foot-wide paved trail?
No. The 15-foot measurement includes the pavement. Section 106-62(b)(1)(c) specifies at least 10 feet of paved surface within at least 15 feet of clear width. It then allows the engineer to approve a deviation from the required clear width based on topography.
For a community preparing an application, these are two measurements to document. A 10-foot paved path does not qualify automatically, and the ordinance does not require paving the entire 15-foot clear area. The engineer also reviews the path’s condition, current use and surrounding community before deciding whether carts can share it safely.
The rules cover public trails along county roads or state highways in unincorporated Pasco County. Section 106-60 excludes private and semi-private property, where the applicable association or property owner governs use. The ordinance does not open every county park trail or every sidewalk.
Who applies to open a trail to golf carts?
For a proposed trail within a homeowners association or community development district, Section 106-62(a)(2) requires the HOA or CDD board to submit the application.
The submission must include a map showing proposed trail segments and road crossings. A segment-by-segment table must describe width, horizontal and vertical clearances, surface condition, current pedestrian and bicycle use, and projected cart use.
The county engineer issues a written determination. A denial must include written findings. For approvals, the county must update its Golf Cart Network map and golf cart webpage, and post signs or otherwise inform residents. FDOT consultation is required for trails beside state highways and proposed state-highway crossings.
The ordinance provides for an application fee established by a separate board resolution. It does not state a dollar amount. It also allows the engineer to revoke a designation over safety or public-welfare concerns.
Can golf carts use authorized trails at night?
Section 106-63(d) allows nighttime use of an authorized trail when the cart has headlights, brake lights, turn signals and a windshield, in addition to its daytime equipment. The daytime requirements include the equipment in Florida Statutes 316.212(6) plus a functional horn or other warning device.
Our Florida golf cart law guide explains the state framework. Owners checking equipment can also use the golf cart safety guide.
The trail speed limit is 15 mph. Operators must yield to pedestrians and bicycles, slowing, stopping or leaving the trail as necessary. The document defines golf carts as vehicles incapable of exceeding 20 mph; owners of faster vehicles should check the separate golf cart and LSV classifications.
Does the vote authorize a particular route today?
The ordinance creates a designation process. It prohibits ordinary cart use on unauthorized trails, with a stated exception for carts used as ADA-defined power-driven mobility devices.
The posted copy has blank ordinance-number, signature and date fields. Section 7 makes effectiveness depend on filing with the Florida Department of State. That attachment does not establish the filing date or identify a newly approved trail segment. This report therefore does not treat October 20 as a confirmed first day to drive on any particular path.
Primary reporting source
Pasco County: posted October 20 trail ordinance
