In unincorporated St. Johns County, golf carts may use only the county roads the County Engineer has designated (all posted 25 mph or less) and designated multi-use paths. Low-speed vehicles can use county roads posted 35 mph or less.
State law: see golf cart laws in Florida.
Do you need a driver’s license to drive a golf cart in St. Johns County?
The county’s 2018 ordinance lets some unlicensed drivers ride, with hour limits (see the age question). Florida law changed in 2023: drivers under 18 now need a learner’s permit or a driver’s license, and drivers 18 and over need a government-issued photo ID.
How old do you have to be to drive a golf cart in St. Johns County?
The 2018 ordinance sets 14 as the minimum. Unlicensed drivers under 17 may not drive from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m., and unlicensed 17-year-olds not from 1 to 5 a.m. Florida’s 2023 rule (a learner’s permit or license under 18) also applies.
Does a golf cart need a permit or registration in St. Johns County?
We didn’t find a cart registration in what we read. Roads are designated when a homeowners’ association applies, and the applicant pays for the signs.
Where can golf carts go in St. Johns County?
Only Designated County Roads, which the County Engineer approves on an HOA’s application and which must be posted 25 mph or less, and sidewalks designated as multi-use paths (15 mph top speed; yield to people walking and cycling). Roads designated under the 2010 ordinance stay designated. Community-owned roads (district or private) can apply if they have a traffic enforcement agreement with the Sheriff.
The ordinance doesn’t list the designated roads.
Golf cart or LSV: what’s the difference in St. Johns County?
Low-speed vehicles (LSVs) and mini trucks can use county roads posted 35 mph or less, unless the county has made a road a Prohibited County Road, and must be registered, insured and equipped under state law. An LSV can’t travel along roads posted over 35; lawful crossings are separately regulated.
Can you drive a golf cart at night in St. Johns County? Hours and lights
Sunrise to sunset, unless the county permits night use on that road and the cart has headlights, brake lights, turn signals and a windshield.
Follow the law and posted signs. Follow applicable law, posted restrictions and lawful directions from officers. If permission is unclear, don’t use that road or path until confirmed. Rules can change after we check them.
Using SlowGo here
SlowGo routes on roads posted 35 mph or under by default; it doesn’t establish cart access here.
Check local rules before you ride. It doesn’t know which St. Johns County roads are designated for carts, its 25 mph line, or its night rule, so a route can use roads a golf cart can’t. Follow the signs, and ride in daylight.
Where these rules come from
- Ordinance 2018-42, golf carts, low-speed vehicles and mini trucks on county roads and sidewalks — St. Johns County Clerk’s copy (PDF)
- Florida Statutes § 316.212 — golf carts on roads
- Florida Statutes § 316.2122 — low-speed vehicles
Town staff: see something out of date? Email hello@slowgoapp.com and we’ll fix it quickly.
This page is general information, not legal advice. Always follow posted signs and local rules.