Pasco County commissioners unanimously approved new golf-cart rules Oct. 20, creating a process for authorizing certain paved trails and updating how county roadways are designated for cart use, WUSF reported.

For Wesley Chapel residents, the changes distinguish between approved roads and approved trails. A road’s designation does not automatically open every adjoining sidewalk or path to carts.

Which trails qualify

The trail ordinance in the Oct. 20 agenda packet covers county- or state-owned property in unincorporated Pasco. It does not govern property owned by other entities, including private property.

Eligible trails must lie within the corridor of a county road or state highway. Approval generally requires at least 10 feet of pavement and 15 feet of clear width, although the county engineer may allow a clear-width exception for topographic conditions.

The county engineer reviews applications for safety and issues written approval or denial. Requests within a community development district or homeowners association must come from the appropriate board. The ordinance calls for approved routes to be added to the county’s Golf Cart Network map and website.

On authorized trails, carts are limited to 15 mph and must yield to pedestrians and bicyclists. The ordinance’s effective-date provision calls for filing with the Florida Department of State; the agenda packet does not establish when that filing occurred.

What changes on roads

A separate roadway resolution preserves previously authorized roads while replacing earlier resolutions. It also recognizes previously designated trails in Connected City and the Villages of Pasadena Hills under the trail framework.

For additional road approvals, the county engineer must consider criteria including a maximum posted speed of 30 mph, no more than 5,000 vehicles daily and heavy vehicles making up no more than 10% of traffic. Arterial roads are excluded. Certain crossings require separate county or state approval.

Who can drive

Drivers under 18 must have a valid learner’s permit or driver license. Drivers 18 or older must carry valid government-issued photo identification. Nighttime operation requires headlights, brake lights, turn signals and a windshield in addition to required daytime equipment.

Residents should check the authorization and posted rules for their specific route before driving. A cart-friendly neighborhood designation does not authorize travel on every nearby public road or path.