🛺 Golf Carts in Oldsmar: What You Need to Know Before You Cruise

Feb 22

One of the charming, small-town perks of living in Oldsmar, Florida is seeing golf carts rolling through neighborhoods. Whether it’s a quick trip to visit a neighbor, heading to a community event, or just enjoying a sunset cruise, golf carts are part of the local lifestyle here.

But like anything that shares the road, there are rules , and knowing them helps keep everyone safe, happy, and out of trouble.

Here’s a simple, no-stress guide to how golf cart usage works in Oldsmar.

🚦 First Things First: Golf Carts Aren’t Allowed Everywhere

The City of Oldsmar follows Florida law (F.S. 316.212) when it comes to golf cart use on public streets. That means:

Golf carts must follow traffic laws
They’re only allowed where specifically permitted
They must stay on the paved portion of the roadway or in designated parking areas
❌ No driving on sidewalks, parks, trails, or city green spaces
❌ No driving on the Oldsmar Trail or its spurs/extensions
❌ No cruising through areas not designated for cart use

During special city events, golf carts may be allowed in certain parks if approved by the City Manager… but that’s the exception, not the rule.

🛑 Streets With Speed Limits Over 25 MPH (No Golf Carts)

For safety reasons, golf carts are not allowed on streets with speed limits greater than 25 mph. This includes (but is not limited to):

Commerce Boulevard
Douglas Road (east of Commerce Boulevard)
Pine Avenue (between Forest Road and Forest Lakes Boulevard)
St. Petersburg Drive (between State Road 580 and East Dartmouth Avenue)

These roads are designed for faster-moving traffic, so golf carts are kept off them to reduce risk.

🏭 Mears Industrial Park: Golf Cart Restricted Zone

In the Mears Industrial Park area, golf cart operation is prohibited on the following streets:

Avon Street
Bayview Boulevard (between Tampa Road and State Road 580)
Derek Lane
Marlborough Street
Mears Boulevard
Mt. Vernon Street
Myrtle Lane
Pinckney Street
Pine Avenue (between Marlborough Street and Tampa Road)
Scarlet Boulevard
Sellers Lane

If you work or travel through this area, it’s best to think of it as a no-golf-cart zone.

🚗 Golf Carts = Real Traffic Rules

Even though golf carts feel more relaxed and casual, when you’re driving one on city streets, you’re still expected to:

Obey traffic signs and signals
Yield where required
Follow right-of-way rules
Drive responsibly and safely

In short: if you’re on the road, you’re part of traffic.

Nothing about using a golf cart replaces your responsibility to follow city ordinances and Florida traffic laws.

🗺️ How to Know Where You Can Ride

The City of Oldsmar provides maps and guidance showing where golf carts are restricted. If you’re unsure about a specific street, it’s always smart to:

Check city resources
Look at posted signage
When in doubt, don’t drive there

Staying within designated areas keeps everyone safe and avoids fines or problems.

🌴 Why People Love Golf Cart Living in Oldsmar

Even with rules in place, golf carts are still part of what makes Oldsmar feel like a friendly, connected community. In the right areas, they’re great for: