Low Speed Vehicles (LSV)

Florida’s mild climate makes outdoor activities a year-round option. Low speed vehicles (LSV), golf carts and off-highway vehicles (OHV) are a great way to enjoy local communities and natural spaces. It is important that consumers understand the differences between LSVs, golf carts and OHVs, the traffic laws applying to these vehicles, and the regulations regarding registration, titling and insurance.

Section 320.01(41), Florida Statutes, defines a Low-Speed Vehicle (LSV) as:

Any four-wheeled vehicle whose top speed is greater than 20 miles per hour, but not greater than 25 miles per hour.

Operating Requirements

• Must be titled and registered.
• Must carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and Property Damage Liability (PDL) insurance (minimum $10,000 each).
• The operator must possess a valid driver license in their immediate possession.
• May only be operated on streets where the posted speed limit is 35 MPH or less.

Failure to maintain required insurance may result in suspension of driving privileges under Section 320.02(5)(a), Florida Statutes.

Required Safety Equipment for LSVs

LSVs must comply with applicable federal and Florida standards, including Title 49 CFR Part 571.500 and Florida Statutes. Required equipment includes:

• Headlamps
• Tail lamps
• Rear stop lamps (visible from 500 feet to the rear)
• Front and rear turn signal lamps
• Reflex reflectors (one red on each side as far rear as practicable and one red on the rear)
• Exterior mirror on the driver’s side and either an exterior passenger-side mirror or interior rearview mirror
• Parking brake
• Windshield (AS1 or AS4 composition)
• Windshield cleaning device (per 316.2952, F.S.)
• Type 1 or Type 2 seat belts at each designated seating position (FMVSS 209 compliant)
• Horn (per 316.271, F.S.)
• Slow Moving Vehicle (SMV) emblem (per 316.2225, F.S.)
• Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)

Additional Requirements:

• Top speed must exceed 20 MPH but not exceed 25 MPH.
• Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) must not exceed 3,000 pounds (including vehicle weight, cargo load, and 150 pounds per belted seating position).
• Vehicle must be gasoline or electric powered.

Titling and Registering an LSV

To title and register an LSV, bring the following documents to a Motor Vehicle Service Center:

• Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (MCO)
• Completed Application for Certificate of Title (Form HSMV 82040)
• Proof of Florida insurance (minimum $10,000 PDL and $10,000 PIP)
• Valid identification (driver license, ID card, or passport)
• Applicable fees:
  • Title fee
  • Plate fee
  • Initial registration fee (if applicable)
  • Registration fee (varies by vehicle weight)

Golf Carts

Section 320.01(22), Florida Statutes, defines a golf cart as:

A motor vehicle designed and manufactured for operation on a golf course for sporting or recreational purposes and that is not capable of exceeding speeds of 20 miles per hour.

Operating Restrictions

• May operate only on roadways designated for golf carts with a posted speed limit of 30 MPH or less.
• May cross certain county roads if signage authorizes shared roadway use.
• Must comply with any local government ordinances.

Driver Requirements (Effective October 1, 2023)

• Under 18 years old: Must possess a valid learner’s driver license or driver license.
• 18 years of age or older: Must possess valid government-issued photographic identification.

Converted Golf Carts (Golf Cart Modified to LSV)

Golf carts may be converted into Low-Speed Vehicles if they meet all federal and Florida safety standards listed above.

Important: The registration and title year will reflect the year the vehicle was titled as an LSV, not the original manufacture date of the golf cart.

Before Applying for Title and Registration

The converted golf cart must be fully street-legal prior to inspection.

All major component parts used in the conversion must be documented. Major component parts may include (but are not limited to):

• Frame
• Engine or electric traction motor
• Transmission
• Hood
• Bumper
• Fender
• Door
• Floor pan
• Catalytic converter
• Traction battery pack
• Power electronics controller
• Airbag system
• Other structural or propulsion components

Required Documents for Converted Golf Cart Inspection

Use the official DHSMV packet below to complete your golf cart conversion request:

Download the DHSMV Conversion Checklist (PDF) 

Prior to titling and registration, applicants must submit the following for inspection and VIN assignment:

• Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin or bill of sale for the golf cart (assigned to builder)
• Completed Statement of Builder (Form HSMV 84490)
• Completed Affidavit for Golf Cart Modified to Low Speed Vehicle (Form HSMV 86064)
• Completed Application for Certificate of Title (Form HSMV 82040)
• Original bills of sale/receipts for all conversion parts (must be paid, in English, and issued by a business vendor)
• Photographs of the front, rear, and both sides of the vehicle
• Certified weight slip (if applicable)
• Proof of Florida insurance (minimum $10,000 PDL and $10,000 PIP)
• Valid identification
• $40 nonrefundable inspection fee (payable to DHSMV)
• Applicable title, plate, and registration fees

Original documents and one set of copies must be submitted.

Submission for Inspection

Submit the complete inspection package to:

Bureau of Dealer Services
12601 NW 42nd Avenue
Opa Locka, FL 33054

DHSMV will contact the applicant to schedule inspection. A Florida Assigned VIN (FLA VIN) will be issued during inspection if approved.

Final Registration

Once inspection is approved and VIN assigned, the vehicle must be registered in accordance with Section 320.02(5)(a), Florida Statutes.

All registered LSVs must continuously maintain required PIP and PDL insurance coverage.