Golf cart rules in Destin, Miramar Beach, Fort Walton Beach and Panama City Beach
In Florida, a golf cart may be driven on a public road only where a county or city has designated that road for golf carts and posted signs, under Florida Statutes Section 316.212. As of Oct. 30, 2026, that makes the answer different in almost every Emerald Coast town: Walton County, which includes Miramar Beach and Santa Rosa Beach, says golf carts are “not legally permitted on any public roadway at any time,” per the Walton County Sheriff’s Office, while Fort Walton Beach allows permitted carts on posted streets in two city zones.
Low-speed vehicles, the street-legal carts with a VIN, a tag and seat belts, follow a different law and can use most roads posted 35 mph or less. Most rental “golf carts” in Destin, Miramar Beach and Panama City Beach are low-speed vehicles.
What is the difference between a golf cart and a low-speed vehicle in Florida?
| Golf cart | Low-speed vehicle (LSV) | |
|---|---|---|
| Top speed | Cannot exceed 20 mph | 20 to 25 mph |
| Tag and registration | No | Yes, titled, registered and insured like a car |
| Where it can go | Only roads a county or city has designated and posted | Roads posted 35 mph or less, unless a local rule bans them |
| Driver | Under 18: learner’s permit or driver license; 18 and older: photo ID | Valid driver license |
Sources: Florida Statutes 316.212; Walton County Sheriff’s Office; City of Fort Walton Beach.
Fort Walton Beach puts it simply: a vehicle with a VIN that can be titled and given a Florida plate is an LSV, and “anything else” is a golf cart, according to the City of Fort Walton Beach.
What does Florida law require for golf carts on the road?
Under Section 316.212, as published in the 2026 Florida Statutes:
- Carts may run only on county roads or city streets designated for them, and only where signs are posted.
- Carts may cross a state highway only at a crossing approved by the Florida Department of Transportation.
- Carts may run only between sunrise and sunset, unless the local government allows night use and the cart has headlights, brake lights, turn signals and a windshield.
- Every cart needs working brakes, steering, safe tires, a rearview mirror and red reflectors front and rear.
- Drivers under 18 need a learner’s permit or driver license. Drivers 18 and older must carry a government photo ID.
A violation is a noncriminal traffic infraction. Driving on a road that is not designated, or at night without permission, counts as a moving violation.
Can you drive a golf cart in Miramar Beach or on 30A?
Not a golf cart. In Walton County, the sheriff’s office says golf carts may not be driven on any public road. Low-speed vehicles are allowed on roads posted 35 mph or less, with these rules from the Walton County Sheriff’s Office:
- No LSVs on U.S. 98 or its sidewalk; cross U.S. 98 only at a four-way intersection. Fine: $161, and the vehicle may be towed.
- No driving on any sidewalk or bike path. Fine: $161.
- Every rider under 18, and every front-seat passenger, must wear a seat belt. Fine: $111.
- Children 5 and under must ride in a car seat or booster seat. Fine: $161.
- A valid tag is required, or the LSV may be towed.
The sheriff’s office also gives out a free LSV safety sticker for the windshield at its Santa Rosa Beach office, 133 Sheriff Drive, weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where can golf carts go in Fort Walton Beach?
Fort Walton Beach allows golf carts only in two zones, on city streets posted 30 mph or less: the northern zone in the Kenwood neighborhood, and the southern zone covering Elliott Point, Ferry Park and the downtown entertainment district. Owners need a driver license, proof of personal injury protection and property damage liability insurance, and an annual city permit decal that costs $25, with day-only and day-and-night options, according to the City of Fort Walton Beach.
Golf carts may not drive on or cross U.S. 98, Eglin Parkway, Beal Parkway, Florida Place Southeast or Perry Avenue Southeast, which are state roads. LSVs need the same $25 city decal and may cross a state road only at a signalized intersection. Sidewalks, bike paths and parking lanes are off-limits to both.
Can golf carts use county roads in Okaloosa County?
Only in designated neighborhoods. In June 2025, Okaloosa County commissioners updated the rules: carts may use residential county roads posted 25 mph or less that are clearly signed for golf carts, or 35 mph or less in Rocky Bayou Country Club Estates near Niceville, according to an Okaloosa County newsletter.
| Area | Hours |
|---|---|
| Lake Lorraine, Meigs Drive, Dogwood Drive, 1st Avenue and parts of 8th Street | Sunrise to sunset |
| Designated areas of unincorporated Fort Walton Beach and Shalimar | 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset |
| Rocky Bayou Country Club Estates | Sunrise to sunset |
Outside those hours, carts may run only with headlights, brake lights, turn signals and a windshield, the county says.
Inside the cities of Destin and Niceville, state law applies the same way: a golf cart may use only a city street that the city has designated and posted for golf carts.
What are the rules in Panama City Beach?
Golf carts cannot be driven on roads where the speed limit is above 25 mph, according to the City of Panama City Beach. LSVs may use streets posted 35 mph or less but are banned from Panama City Beach Parkway (U.S. 98, Back Beach Road) and Hutchison Boulevard (Middle Beach Road). The city also bans side-by-sides and ATVs on city roads. LSV drivers need a license with them, and drivers and riders must wear seat belts.
Who do I call with questions?
- Walton County Sheriff’s Office, Santa Rosa Beach: 133 Sheriff Drive
- City of Fort Walton Beach Planning and Zoning: 850-833-9605, [email protected]
- Panama City Beach Police Department: 850-233-5000
- Okaloosa County Commission District 2: 850-651-7105
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Questions and answers
- Can you drive a golf cart on the road in Destin?
- Only on a street the City of Destin or Okaloosa County has designated and posted for golf carts, under Florida Statutes 316.212. Street-legal low-speed vehicles with a tag may use roads posted 35 mph or less.
- Are golf carts allowed in Miramar Beach and on 30A?
- No. The Walton County Sheriff's Office says golf carts are not legally permitted on any public road in the county. Registered low-speed vehicles may use roads posted 35 mph or less, but not U.S. 98.
- Do you need a permit for a golf cart in Fort Walton Beach?
- Yes. Fort Walton Beach requires an annual $25 city permit decal, a driver license and PIP and property damage insurance. Carts are allowed only in the Kenwood and Elliott Point, Ferry Park and downtown zones.
- Can low-speed vehicles drive on Back Beach Road in Panama City Beach?
- No. The City of Panama City Beach bans LSVs on Panama City Beach Parkway (Back Beach Road) and Hutchison Boulevard (Middle Beach Road).
- How old do you have to be to drive a golf cart in Florida?
- Drivers under 18 must hold a learner's permit or driver license, and drivers 18 and older must carry a government photo ID, under Florida Statutes 316.212.