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7 Best Golf Cart Manufacturers in Florida: 2026 Industry Review

Florida is the undisputed golf cart capital of the world. With communities like The Villages boasting over 100 miles of legal cart paths and a climate that encourages open-air transit year-round, the Sunshine State has evolved from a mere consumer of golf carts to a manufacturing powerhouse. In 2026, the shift from traditional gas engines to advanced lithium-electric powertrains has spurred a new wave of assembly and manufacturing facilities directly within Florida’s borders.

7 Best Golf Cart Manufacturers in Florida

From our experience as a professional manufacturer in the global electric mobility market, we have observed that Florida’s manufacturing landscape is unique. It is characterized by high-tech assembly hubs that customize vehicles specifically for “street-legal” (LSV) use and luxury community living. For buyers—whether dealerships looking for inventory or individuals seeking a custom build—understanding who actually builds the carts is crucial for warranty support and parts availability.

Below, we provide an authoritative guide to the 7 best Golf Cart Manufacturers in Florida operating in or serving the Florida market today, analyzing their build quality, technological focus, and market reputation.

1. GT Golf Cart: The Factory-Direct Powerhouse

While many brands focus solely on retail, GT Golf Cart stands out as a dedicated manufacturing partner for the global market, with a significant supply chain footprint serving Florida dealerships and fleet operators. With over 12 years of experience and a volume exceeding 10 containers monthly, we specialize in bridging the gap between factory-floor cost and showroom quality.

1. GT Golf Cart: The Factory-Direct Powerhouse

From our experience, Florida buyers are increasingly looking for durability and customization. GT Golf Cart addresses this by offering modular designs that are easily upgraded for street-legal use. Our vehicles are engineered to withstand the humid, saline environment of Florida’s coast, utilizing rust-resistant chassis components and high-efficiency electric powertrains.

Key Offerings:

We recommend GT Golf Cart for businesses and dealers in Florida seeking a reliable OEM partner that can deliver customized fleets with consistent quality across 40+ countries.

2. ICON EV: The Disruptor in Tampa

Headquartered in Tampa, ICON EV has arguably changed the Florida market more than any other brand in the last five years. They disrupted the industry by offering fully loaded carts—lift kits, alloy wheels, custom seats, and street-legal lights—as standard equipment rather than expensive add-ons.

ICON operates a massive assembly and distribution hub in Tampa, allowing for rapid parts support across the state. Their carts are known for their speed and torque, often tuned aggressively for street use. If you are looking for a “turn-key” Low Speed Vehicle (LSV) that is ready for the road immediately, ICON is a top contender.

3. Vivid EV: Fort Myers’ Lithium Specialist

Located in Fort Myers, Vivid EV has carved out a niche by focusing exclusively on lithium-ion technology. Unlike legacy brands that are slowly transitioning from lead-acid batteries, Vivid was born in the lithium era. This focus allows them to optimize their chassis for lighter weight and better weight distribution.

From our technical perspective, Vivid’s EcoBattery integration is a significant advantage. Lithium batteries offer zero maintenance, faster charging, and a lifespan that is 3-4 times longer than traditional batteries. For Florida retirees who leave their carts unused during summer months, lithium is essential as it does not self-discharge as rapidly as lead-acid.

4. Evolution Electric Vehicles: The Orlando Tech Giant

With a major assembly plant and corporate office in Orlando, Evolution Electric Vehicles (Evolution EV) brings a tech-forward approach to the industry. They are famous for their automotive-style interiors, featuring massive 9-inch touchscreens, Bluetooth sound bars, and color-matched dashboards.

Evolution carts are assembled in Florida to meet the specific demands of the US market. We recommend Evolution for buyers who prioritize gadgets and modern aesthetics. Their “Plus” and “Forester” series are common sights in Florida’s master-planned communities, offering a car-like experience that appeals to younger buyers and tech-savvy seniors alike.

5. Denago EV: St. Petersburg’s Rising Star

A newer entrant headquartered in St. Petersburg, Denago EV is rapidly gaining market share. Backed by a parent company with deep roots in the powersports industry, Denago brings robust engineering to the golf cart space. Their “Nomad” and “Rover” models are designed with a focus on suspension and ride comfort.

Florida’s roads can be bumpy, and Denago has addressed this with coil-over suspension systems that outperform standard leaf springs. For buyers in St. Pete and the greater Tampa Bay area, Denago offers a local option with a growing dealer network for service and support.

6. Moto Electric Vehicles: The Commercial Expert

Based in Jacksonville, Moto Electric Vehicles takes a different approach. While they sell consumer carts, their forte is commercial and street-legal utility vehicles. They are a “build-to-order” manufacturer that supplies emergency response carts, shuttles, and maintenance vehicles to municipalities and businesses across Florida.

If you need a specialized vehicle—such as a wheelchair-accessible cart or a heavy-duty hauler—Moto EV is the go-to manufacturer. Their ability to fabricate custom modifications in-house in Jacksonville sets them apart from mass-market assemblers.

7. Prime Golf Cars: Luxury Customization

Operating out of Riviera Beach, Prime Golf Cars (often associated with the “Prime” brand) serves the ultra-luxury market. They are less about mass production and more about bespoke creation. Prime is known for its “Sportster” style carts and aggressive, custom-molded bodies that look nothing like a traditional golf cart.

We see Prime as the ideal choice for the Florida buyer who wants to stand out. Their carts often feature high-performance AC motors and custom paint jobs that rival high-end automobiles. However, this level of customization comes with a premium price tag.

Buying Guide: Florida LSV Regulations

When purchasing from these manufacturers, it is vital to understand Florida’s distinction between a “Golf Cart” and a “Low Speed Vehicle” (LSV).

Expert Note: In Florida, a standard golf cart is limited to 20 mph and cannot be registered. An LSV must have a 17-digit VIN, seatbelts, windshield wipers, and DOT-approved tires/glass. It can go up to 25 mph and drive on roads with speed limits of 35 mph or less. Manufacturers like ICON, Evolution, and GT Golf Cart offer models that are “LSV Ready.”

Summary Comparison Table

Manufacturer HQ/Base Location Best For Key Feature
GT Golf Cart Global (FL Supply) Dealers & Fleets Factory-Direct Pricing & customization
ICON EV Tampa, FL Value & Speed Fully loaded standard features
Vivid EV Fort Myers, FL Lithium Performance Lightweight chassis optimization
Evolution EV Orlando, FL Technology Touchscreens & Infotainment
Denago EV St. Petersburg, FL Ride Comfort Advanced suspension
Moto EV Jacksonville, FL Commercial Use Custom fabrication & utility
Prime Golf Cars Riviera Beach, FL Luxury Style Custom body molding

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these golf carts actually made in Florida?

Most “American” golf carts today are assembled in the USA using global components. Manufacturers like ICON, Evolution, and Vivid import chassis and parts but perform final assembly, quality control, and VIN assignment in their Florida facilities. This allows them to claim “Assembled in USA” and ensures local parts availability.

Which manufacturer has the best warranty?

Warranties vary, but typically Evolution and Vivid offer strong 5-year warranties on their lithium batteries. GT Golf Cart provides comprehensive parts support for our dealer partners to ensure long-term reliability.

Can I buy directly from the manufacturer?

Brands like Moto EV often sell direct, especially for commercial builds. However, consumer brands like ICON and Evolution typically sell through authorized dealerships. GT Golf Cart specializes in B2B partnerships, supplying fleets and distributors directly.

Do I need a license to drive these carts in Florida?

If the vehicle is an LSV (plated and registered), you need a valid driver’s license. For standard golf carts driven within private communities or designated paths, you generally need to be at least 14 years old, but local laws vary significantly by county.

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