If you’re planning to drive your golf cart on public roads in Florida, here’s the simple truth:
If it’s street-legal as an LSV, you need insurance. Specifically, Florida treats a low-speed vehicle (LSV) like a road vehicle that must be titled, registered, and insured.
This guide breaks down what LSV insurance Florida really means, what you must carry (minimums), what most owners should add, and how to get it done fast—especially if you’re in Pompano Beach or anywhere in South Florida.
Quick note: This is general education, not legal advice. Always confirm your exact requirements with FLHSMV and your insurer.
Table of Contents
- Quick answer (the “yes/no”)
- Golf cart vs. LSV in Florida (why it matters)
- Minimum required coverage for LSVs
- What coverage should you add (smart protection)
- What affects LSV insurance cost
- Step-by-step: how to get insured + registered
- Common mistakes that delay approval
- FAQs (high buyer intent)
- Contact Phoenix Golf Car
Quick Answer: Do I need insurance?
✅ Yes—if your cart is street-legal as an LSV and you drive it on public streets.
Florida’s Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles guidance states LSVs must be registered, titled, and insured, and Florida also requires proof of insurance when processing LSV paperwork.
Golf Cart vs. LSV in Florida (this is where people get confused)
A golf cart and an LSV (Low-Speed Vehicle) are not the same thing in Florida.
A golf cart (non-LSV)
Typically used in golf communities, private roads, or designated areas. Insurance may not be required by the state in every scenario—but HOAs, property managers, and lenders may still require it.
An LSV (street-legal)
An LSV is defined as a four-wheeled vehicle with a top speed greater than 20 mph but not more than 25 mph and it is authorized for roads with posted speed limits 35 mph or less (with rules about crossings).
And importantly, an LSV must be registered and insured in accordance with Florida requirements.
If you’re trying to drive around your neighborhood, to the park, or to local shops on public roads—this is exactly why LSV insurance Florida becomes mandatory.
Minimum required insurance for street-legal LSVs in Florida
Florida’s LSV guidance lists proof of insurance with minimums, including:
- Property Damage Liability (PDL): minimum $10,000
- Personal Injury Protection (PIP): minimum $10,000
This is the baseline most people mean when they ask about LSV insurance Florida.
What do PIP and PDL actually do?
PIP helps cover medical expenses for you/household members after a crash (regardless of fault, up to policy limits).
PDL helps pay for damage you cause to someone else’s property (car, fence, mailbox, etc.).
But here’s the big “real world” issue: These minimums can be very limited compared to today’s repair and medical costs—especially in South Florida traffic.
The “smart” coverage most LSV owners add (highly recommended)
If you’re buying a newer cart, financing it, or parking it outside—minimum coverage often isn’t enough.
Here are the add-ons people commonly choose for better protection:
1) Bodily Injury Liability (BI)
Helps cover injuries you cause to other people. Many drivers add this for peace of mind.
2) Uninsured / Underinsured Motorist
Helps protect you if another driver hits you and doesn’t have enough coverage.
3) Comprehensive
Covers non-collision damage like theft, vandalism, storms, and falling objects.
4) Collision
Helps repair your LSV after an accident.
5) Accessory / Custom Parts Coverage
If your cart has upgrades (lift, wheels, lights, sound system), ask for coverage that reflects your real build value.
When customers shop for LSV insurance Florida, they’re usually happiest when the policy matches how they actually use the cart—not just the minimum to “get legal.”
What affects the cost of LSV insurance in Florida?
Pricing varies, but these factors usually matter most:
- Where you live and park (Pompano Beach vs. gated community, garage vs. driveway)
- Driver history
- Vehicle value (basic cart vs. premium street-legal build)
- Coverage choices (minimum vs. full coverage)
- Custom parts and accessories
- How you use it (personal vs. commercial/HOA/fleet)
If you want the cheapest possible plan, insurers may quote you at minimums.
If you want a “sleep-easy” plan, you’ll likely add BI + comp/collision.
Step-by-step: How to get street-legal with insurance (fast)
Here’s the clean workflow most owners follow:
Step 1: Confirm your cart qualifies as an LSV
LSVs must meet equipment standards and must be operated under specific road rules. Florida statute 316.2122 details rules and references registration/insurance requirements. Florida Legislature
Step 2: Get your insurance policy issued
Ask your insurer specifically for LSV insurance Florida and confirm it includes at least:
- $10,000 PIP
- $10,000 PDL Florida Highway Safety
Step 3: Bring proof of insurance to register/title
Florida’s LSV guidance lists proof of Florida insurance as part of the paperwork process. Florida Highway Safety
Step 4: Shop street-legal inventory (or upgrade your current cart)
If you need a cart that’s already built for street-legal requirements, browse Phoenix Golf Car’s Street Legal selection: Phoenix Golf Car.
Step 5: If you want help, contact Phoenix Golf Car
We can guide you on street-legal readiness, typical paperwork flow, and what to ask your insurer so you don’t waste time.
Contact Phoenix Golf Car (Pompano Beach):
- Address: 1351 NW Steeda Way, Pompano Beach, FL 33069
- Phone: (954) 785-6062 / (954) 532-4422
- Email: Info@phoenix-golf-car.com
- Contact page:
https://phoenixgolfcar.com/contact/
Common mistakes that delay street-legal approval
These are the biggest time-wasters we see:
- Buying a policy that’s “golf cart insurance” but doesn’t meet LSV minimums
- Not having proof of Florida insurance ready when submitting paperwork Florida Highway Safety
- Assuming an HOA “approval” replaces Florida registration/insurance rules
- Not confirming road speed limit rules (35 mph posted limit guidance is a core LSV restriction)
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Final Takeaway
If your cart is street-legal as an LSV, LSV insurance Florida isn’t optional—it’s part of the legal setup alongside title and registration. Florida Highway Safety+1
If you want a street-legal cart that’s ready for real-life South Florida driving, or you want help making sure you’re not missing a step:
✅ Call Phoenix Golf Car: (954) 785-6062
✅ Or request a quote: https://phoenixgolfcar.com/contact/
