TO: Honorable Mayor & Members of the North Port Commission
FROM: A. Jerome Fletcher II, ICMA-CM, MPA, City Manager
TITLE: An Ordinance of the City of North Port, Florida, Amending Section 74-151 of the Code of the City of North Port, Florida, Relating to the Operation of Golf Carts on Designated Sidewalk Segments; Providing for Findings; Providing for Conflicts; Providing for Severability; Providing for Codification; and Providing an Effective Date.
Recommended Action
Option 1: Approve Ordinance No. 2026-33 as presented and continue to second reading on December 8, 2026.
City Commission Options
Option 1: Approve Ordinance No. 2026-33 as presented and continue to second reading on December 8, 2026.
• Pros: Approval would establish a regulated framework for golf cart use on eligible sidewalk segments along U.S. 41 while providing safety requirements such as an eight-foot minimum width, 15-mph speed limit, required equipment, and signage. The Sarasota County Commission recently authorized golf cart use on designated sidewalk segments along U.S. 41 within unincorporated Sarasota County. This ordinance would allow golf cart access to continue from the County into the City limits of North Port.
• Cons: Allowing golf carts on sidewalks shared with pedestrians and bicyclists could increase the potential for conflicts and safety concerns. Implementation may also involve additional signage and compliance.
Option 2: Deny Ordinance No. 2026-33.
• Pros: Denial would maintain the City's existing restrictions on golf cart operation and avoid additional golf cart traffic on sidewalks used by pedestrians and bicyclists.
• Cons: Denial would prevent golf cart users from continuing along the U.S. 41 multi-use path from the County into the City. Residents would not be able to use their golf carts to access destinations within the City, such as stores and gas stations.
Option 3: Provide direction to revise the ordinance and bring it back for a second reading at a later date.
• Pros: Allows time for refinements based on Commission input.
• Cons: Delays implementation; may require additional legal review.
Background Information
The proposed ordinance amends Section 74-151 of the City of North Port Code relating to the operation of golf carts on designated sidewalk segments. Florida Statutes Section 316.212(8)(b) authorizes a local governmental entity to enact an ordinance regulating golf cart operation on sidewalks adjacent to specified segments of municipal streets, county roads, or state highways, subject to the conditions and requirements established by law. The proposed amendment is intended to establish a regulatory framework for the operation of golf carts on designated sidewalk segments within the City.
The ordinance specifically adds sidewalk segments adjacent to U.S. Highway 41 within the City of North Port to the locations where golf cart operation may be authorized. Golf carts would only be permitted on sidewalk segments designated by the City Commission that meet the requirements of Florida Statutes Section 316.212(8)(b). Prior to adoption, the City is required to consult with the Florida Department of Transportation. Designated sidewalk segments adjacent to a state highway must be at least eight feet wide.
The ordinance also establishes safety requirements for golf carts operating on designated sidewalks. Golf carts may not exceed 15 miles per hour and must meet the applicable equipment requirements established by Florida law. The City would be required to post appropriate signage identifying the designated sidewalk segments or otherwise provide notice that golf cart operation is authorized. The ordinance does not authorize golf carts to operate on the traveled portion of U.S. Highway 41.
The proposed authorization applies to golf carts and does not extend to low-speed vehicles (LSVs), as Florida Statutes Section 316.2122 does not provide municipal authority to designate sidewalks or sidewalk areas for LSV operation.
Ordinance No. 2026-33 serves the public health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of the City of North Port, Florida.
Ordinance No. 2026-33 has been reviewed by the City Attorney and is legally correct as to form.
The Business Impact Estimate for Ordinance No. 2026-33 will be posted timely on the City’s website prior to final reading, per Florida Statutes Section 166.041(4).
Strategic Plan Pillar
Safe Community
Financial Impact
Not applicable.
Procurement
Not applicable.
Attachments:
1. Ordinance No. 2026-33
2. Business Impact Estimate
3. Florida Statutes Section 316.212(8)(b)
4. Florida Statutes Section 316.2122
Prepared by: Jamie Ebershoff, Executive Assistant
Christopher Morales, Deputy Chief of Police
Department Director: Todd R. Garrison, Chief of Police