St. Pete Beach lets registered golf carts use designated city streets. The city says carts may not cross or drive on state or county roads. Carts need a city registration and decal, and the city’s 2013 ordinance says drivers need a valid driver’s license.
State law: see golf cart laws in Florida.
See the City of St. Pete Beach’s restricted roadways map for golf carts.
Do you need a driver’s license to drive a golf cart in St. Pete Beach?
The city’s 2013 golf cart ordinance (Ordinance 2013-17) says carts on designated city streets may be driven only by people holding a valid driver’s license. The city’s registration page asks for proof that the owner has one. We read a scanned copy of the ordinance and haven’t checked later amendments, so confirm with the city.
How old do you have to be to drive a golf cart in St. Pete Beach?
The ordinance ties driving to the license rather than to an age. Ask the city if you’re unsure whether a driver qualifies.
Does a golf cart need a permit or registration in St. Pete Beach?
Yes. Resident-owned carts are registered with the city every year ($10, paid at City Hall), and the decal goes on the back, driver’s side. You’ll need proof that the owner has a valid driver’s license and a signed statement that the cart has liability insurance (a rider on a homeowner’s policy or a separate policy). The cart can’t be able to go faster than 20 mph.
Daytime equipment: good brakes, reliable steering, tires in good condition, a horn, a rearview mirror, and red reflectors front and rear.
Where can golf carts go in St. Pete Beach?
Only designated city streets. The 2013 ordinance describes them as city streets posted 25 mph or less; the city’s restricted roadways map shows which roads are off limits.
The city’s page says crossing or driving on state or county roads is prohibited. Gulf Boulevard is a state road. We don’t know of any approved cart crossing here.
No carts on sidewalks, in parks, on beaches or on other city land.
Golf cart or LSV: what’s the difference in St. Pete Beach?
A low-speed vehicle (LSV) is different from a golf cart: it goes faster than 20 mph (up to 25), meets the federal LSV safety standard, and has to be titled, registered and insured, with a licensed driver. Under Florida law an LSV can use streets posted 35 mph or less, unless the local government has closed a road to them. 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. Pete Beach? Hours and lights
Sunrise to sunset only, unless the cart also 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 St. Pete Beach’s designated streets yet, so a route here can include a 30 or 35 mph street, or a state or county road, that carts can’t use or cross. Check the city’s map before you ride.
Where these rules come from
- Golf Carts — City of St. Pete Beach
- Ordinance 2013-17 (City Code ch. 82, art. VI) — City of St. Pete Beach (PDF)
- Restricted roadways map — City of St. Pete Beach
- 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.