South Miami golf carts: dealer, street-legal options, and where you can drive

Sunshine Carts of South Miami: what the dealer on S Dixie Hwy offers

Sunshine Carts of South Miami sits at 6400 S Dixie Hwy and is the only listed dealer within the city limits. The inventory spans gas and lithium models from ICON, Bintelli, Kandi, and Epic, covering basic 4-seaters, 6-seaters, and street-legal configurations. A new basic 4-seater typically runs $8,000–$12,000; a 6-seater or lifted model generally falls in the $12,000–$18,000 range; and a street-legal LSV is typically $18,000–$35,000 depending on features.

Beyond new carts, the dealer lists pre-owned and off-lease inventory, which can bring costs down to roughly $4,500–$9,000 for dealer-certified used units. Trade-ins are accepted, and financing is available. The website also highlights a lifetime battery warranty program, mobile golf cart service, roadside assistance, and theft protection — details worth confirming by phone since service terms can change. Custom cart builds and a parts department round out the offerings.

Mobile service is a practical option for South Miami owners who do not want to haul a cart across town. Annual maintenance — battery checks, brake inspection, tire and belt service — typically costs $150–$300 at most Florida dealers. Controller or motor repairs generally run $300–$900 depending on the fault. Call (833) 373-1096 or visit thesunshinecarts.com to check current availability.

What golf carts cost in Florida · How to pick a dealer

More dealers a short drive away in Miami

Because South Miami has only one listed dealer, shoppers who want to compare inventory or pricing have several options just north in Miami, which has 17 listed businesses. Dealers there include Advantage Golf Cars, Beachside Golf Cars, CCC Miami Golf Carts, Cutler Bay Carts, Extreme Golf Cart of Florida, GEM of Miami, and Golf Car Depot Miami, among others. Visiting two or three dealers before buying is a straightforward way to compare brands, warranty terms, and financing rates.

Cutler Bay, directly south of South Miami, currently has no listed dealers, so Miami remains the practical secondary market for most South Miami residents. The Miami golf cart page lists all dealers in that city with addresses and contact details. If you are specifically looking for street-legal LSVs or custom builds, calling ahead to confirm which dealers stock those configurations will save time.

Golf cart dealers in Miami · Cutler Bay golf cart listings · Dealers across Florida

Where you can drive a golf cart or LSV in South Miami

South Miami permits golf cart use in specific communities under city and Miami-Dade County rules. A standard golf cart — not titled as a vehicle — may only be driven on streets that have been locally designated for cart use, and only between sunrise and sunset. Those streets are generally posted at 30 mph or less. Driving a golf cart on a non-designated road, even briefly, is not permitted under Florida law, so check with the city or your HOA before assuming a route is legal.

A Low-Speed Vehicle (LSV) is a different category: it must be titled, registered, and insured like a motor vehicle, but it can legally travel on any road posted at 35 mph or less — no special street designation required. LSVs must meet federal safety standards including headlights, mirrors, seat belts, and a VIN. The conversion from a standard cart to a street-legal LSV typically costs $2,500–$5,000 at a qualified shop, or you can purchase a factory-built LSV outright.

Florida law updated in October 2023 requires anyone under 18 to hold a learner's permit or driver's license to operate a golf cart on a public road. Drivers 18 and older must carry a valid ID. These rules apply in South Miami the same as anywhere else in the state. If you are unsure whether your cart qualifies as a golf cart or an LSV, the guide below explains the legal differences in plain terms.

Florida golf cart laws · Golf cart vs LSV in Florida · Street-legal carts in Florida

Batteries in South Florida's climate: lead-acid vs lithium

South Florida's combination of heat, humidity, and frequent short trips is particularly tough on lead-acid battery packs. Near the coast, expect three to four years of useful life from a standard lead-acid pack, which typically costs $900–$1,800 to replace. Lithium packs last eight to ten years under the same conditions and require no watering or equalization charges, which makes them the practical choice for most South Miami owners even though the upfront cost is higher.

A lithium conversion on an existing cart generally runs $2,000–$4,500 depending on voltage and capacity. Sunshine Carts of South Miami lists lithium models in its inventory and advertises a lifetime battery warranty program — ask specifically what that warranty covers and whether it transfers if you sell the cart. For a deeper look at how lithium and lead-acid compare on cost per year, the guide below breaks down the math.

Lithium battery guide · Golf cart repair cost guide