Charlotte County Aligns Golf Cart Regulations with State Law

Charlotte County has revised its golf cart regulations to align with state laws, ensuring consistent rules across Florida. The modification, approved unanimously on February 25, 2024, amends section 2-4-10 of the county code, specifically addressing the designation of roads for golf cart use. This change allows planning staff to replat roadways for golf carts, enhancing clarity and compliance with state regulations.

During the commission meeting, Sean Cullinan, a planning and zoning official, emphasized the importance of consistency in regulations. “The intent of the resolution is to ensure the consistency of changes,” Cullinan stated. He highlighted the necessity for specific design standards required for golf course communities, indicating that the updated rules aim to promote uniformity across various jurisdictions.

The discussion also focused on refining a previous ordinance, which included defining what constitutes a golf cart. The new definition specifies that a golf cart is a motor vehicle designed for operation on a golf course, limited to a maximum speed of 20 miles per hour on level ground. Before designating any roadway for golf cart use, the County Engineer must assess safety factors, including posted speed limits and traffic volume.

The meeting featured input from Jeff Lustig, a resident of the Kingsgate area, who expressed confusion about the existing rules. “I still to this day don’t know what’s legal and what’s not legal,” he remarked, underscoring the need for clearer guidelines for residents.

The ordinance passed without opposition, reflecting the county’s commitment to improving regulations for its residents. In addition to discussing golf cart rules, the commission reviewed unplatted tracts linked to the bankruptcy of the General Development Company, which significantly impacted the development of areas such as Port Charlotte and North Port. Cullinan noted that many of these tracts were originally intended for canals or wetlands, which cannot be developed due to state law.

“Not all the plats were named consistently,” Cullinan explained, presenting several parcels needing direction. He also clarified that platted canals are held in trust for public use, although some property owners have expressed interest in building docks. This raises questions regarding deed restrictions and state regulations concerning canal clearance and mangrove removal.

Commissioner Stephen Deutch proposed moving forward with public hearings on the county parcels even before Cullinan completed his presentation. Commission Chairman Joe Tiseo emphasized the need for thorough discussion before making decisions, indicating that the matter requires careful consideration.

In a separate agenda item, the commission addressed a proposed change to the speed limit on Veterans Boulevard, which passed with a vote of 3-2. Additionally, officials presented an update regarding hurricane-related costs across the county, revealing a negative balance of approximately $97 million and unreceived FEMA obligations totaling $133 million. Despite these financial challenges, the county voted to proceed with the reconstruction of a bridge in Rotonda, even without FEMA approval.

As Charlotte County continues to refine its regulations and address pressing financial issues, the adjustments to golf cart laws represent a significant step toward clearer and more consistent governance for residents and visitors alike. The county’s proactive measures aim to enhance safety and promote a better understanding of local regulations.