To protect your golf cart before a hurricane, store it indoors if you can, raise it off the floor if your garage might flood, charge it, then unplug it and disconnect the batteries. If it has to stay outside, tie it down securely. After a storm, don’t charge or drive a cart that was in floodwater, especially a lithium cart. FEMA’s U.S. Fire Administration says to disconnect flooded lithium-battery vehicles from chargers, move them away from buildings, and call your fire department if you suspect flood exposure.
How should I prepare my golf cart before a hurricane?
Phoenix Golf Car, a Florida dealer, recommends a few core steps that work well here in St. Johns and Clay County:
- Store it indoors if possible. A garage is far better than a carport or open shed, which Phoenix notes offer little protection from wind and debris.
- Elevate it if your garage takes on water. Sturdy blocks or a raised platform can keep the batteries, motor and controller above shallow flooding.
- Disconnect the batteries. This lowers the risk of electrical damage and shorts.
- Remove or protect sensitive electronics like add-on speakers, screens and loose accessories.
- Use heavy-duty tie-downs and ground anchors if it stays outside, along with a durable, hurricane-grade cover.
- Take photos of the cart and its condition for insurance records.
A few more practical tips:
- Charge it fully before the storm, then unplug it from the wall.
- Secure the canopy, windshield and seat cushions, or take them off and store them inside.
- Don’t leave the cart plugged in during the storm, when power surges and outages are likely.
Should I disconnect lithium golf cart batteries before a storm?
Follow your cart or battery manufacturer’s instructions. Many lithium packs have a disconnect or shutdown procedure. Keeping the cart unplugged, dry and above possible water is the biggest thing you can do. If you’re not sure how to safely shut down your pack, call a tech before the storm, not after.
What should I do if my golf cart was in floodwater?
Don’t charge it, and don’t drive it. That’s the big one.
For lithium carts, FEMA’s U.S. Fire Administration handout on lithium-ion batteries after flooding says to:
- Notify your local fire department if you think lithium batteries in your home or garage, including those in golf carts, were exposed to floodwater
- Disconnect potentially flooded battery-powered devices or vehicles from chargers
- Remove potentially flooded vehicles from buildings and garages and keep them about 50 feet from structures and combustibles on all sides
- Move to a safe distance and call the fire department if the battery is smoking, popping or hissing
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection adds that saltwater flooding is especially likely to damage lithium batteries, that a battery can be damaged without showing signs right away, and that owners should not try to charge or drive a vehicle with a flood-damaged battery.
For lead-acid carts, floodwater can still damage batteries, wiring, the controller, the motor and bearings, and saltwater makes it worse. Keep it unplugged and have it inspected before you use it.
How do I get rid of a flood-damaged lithium battery?
Don’t put it out with regular storm debris. FEMA’s handout says not to put lithium-ion battery products in with storm debris for pickup, and never in garbage or recycling bins. Florida DEP notes that flood-exposed lithium batteries should be treated as hazardous waste. Check with your county about how to dispose of them.
When should I get a post-storm inspection?
Get the cart checked if:
- It sat in any standing water, even briefly
- Water reached the battery compartment or the floorboards
- It was hit by debris
- It acts differently after the storm (cutting out, weak power, warning lights, strange smells)
Most of our service is mobile, so a tech can inspect the cart where it sits, with no need to move a possibly damaged cart across town. Our Green Cove Springs service center is the backup for bigger repairs. See our mobile golf cart repair and golf cart repair and service pages. Appointments are Monday through Friday, and demand can spike after a storm, so call early.
Is lithium safe in hurricane country?
Yes, when the cart is stored, charged and maintained properly. Most golf cart lithium packs use LiFePO4, a more heat-stable lithium chemistry. The key is the same for any battery: keep it out of floodwater, and if it does get flooded, follow the FEMA and DEP guidance above. To learn more about lithium, see our lithium vs lead-acid guide and lithium battery conversion page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I leave my golf cart plugged in during a hurricane?
No. Charge it fully before the storm, then unplug it. Disconnecting the batteries adds more protection.
Can I charge my golf cart after it was in floodwater?
No. Don’t charge or drive a flooded cart, especially a lithium one, until it has been inspected. FEMA and Florida DEP both warn against it.
Where should I store my golf cart during a hurricane?
Indoors in a garage is best. Raise it on sturdy blocks if your garage can flood. If it must stay outside, use heavy-duty tie-downs and a durable cover.
Can I throw a flooded lithium golf cart battery out with storm debris?
No. FEMA says not to put lithium battery products with storm debris or in trash or recycling bins. Ask your county about hazardous waste disposal.
Book a Post-Storm Inspection
Worried about storm or flood damage? Call Mad Dog Premium Golf Carts to schedule a mobile inspection Monday through Friday. Green Cove Springs service center: 831 Leonard C Taylor Pkwy, Green Cove Springs, FL 32043, 904-761-5124. St. Augustine showroom: 1745 County Road 210, St. Augustine, FL 32092, 904-290-2958.