Can you take a golf cart on the beach at Cape San Blas?

No

and the roads have rules too

Golf carts are not allowed on the sand or over the dune walkovers. On the road they are legal only where Gulf County has designated and signed the route — and the county tightened those rules in 2026.

On the sand

Never

On the road

If signed

Driver

Licence or ID

The rule

Not on the sand. On the road, only where it is signed.

A golf cart may be operated only upon a county road that has been designated by a county … for use by golf carts.

§ 316.212(1), Florida Statutes

The test on the ground is signage. Where a road is designated, the county must post signs saying so — and a road with no sign is not a legal golf cart road. Gulf County passed an emergency golf cart ordinance in April 2026 and amended it in May 2026, adding powers to boot, impound and fine carts that are improperly operated or parked. Assume anything written before 2026 is out of date.

The dunes are criminal, not a ticket: driving on, over or across any dune or dune vegetation is prohibited by § 161.58, Florida Statutes, and is a second-degree misdemeanour.

Who can drive

The age rule changed in 2023. Most guidance online is stale.

A fourteen-year-old can no longer legally drive a golf cart on a public road in Florida.

Under 18 — must hold a valid learner’s driver licence or a valid driver licence

18 and over — must carry a valid form of government-issued photographic identification

Sunrise to sunset only, unless the county has authorised night use and the cart has headlights, brake lights, turn signals and a windscreen

A violation is a noncriminal traffic infraction — a moving violation for the road and hours rules, nonmoving for equipment and driver rules

Golf cart, or low-speed vehicle?

Two different vehicles in law. Ask before you rent.

Top speed is what separates them, and it changes almost everything else.

Golf cart — not capable of exceeding 20 mph. No title, tag or insurance required. Designated roads only

Low-speed vehicle — over 20 and up to 25 mph. Needs a title, registration, insurance and a VIN, and may use any street posted 35 mph or less

An LSV driver must have a full driver licence in their possession. A learner’s permit is not enough

A cart sold or rented as “street legal” is normally an LSV. Ask to see the tag before you take it out

More Cape San Blas rules

The other three, in the same shape.

Staying on Cape San Blas?

Rentals booked direct with the owner. No service fee.

Browse rentals

Official

§ 316.212, Florida Statutes — golf carts § 161.58, Florida Statutes — vehicular traffic on the dunes

Rules and regulations change. This page is intended as a general overview to help you plan your trip and is not a substitute for reading the current official rules yourself. Laws, permit requirements, and enforcement can change at any time, and this content may not reflect the most current version. It is your responsibility to verify current rules directly with the relevant city, county, or State of Florida agency. Book Direct Forgotten Coast is not responsible for citations, fines, accidents, or other consequences resulting from reliance on this page.