Okaloosa Beefs Up Golf Cart Laws On Minors

Collin Bestor
June 10, 2025
6:25 pm
Bluewater Bay, Niceville, Okaloosa County

In Brief:

🧒 Age Limits Enforced: Drivers under 18 must have a learner’s permit or license to operate a golf cart; those 18 and older must carry valid photo ID.
🚦 Safety Rules Tightened: Golf carts must have safety features, insurance, and can only operate at night if equipped with headlights and related gear.
🏘️ Ordinance Area Expanded: The updated law applies to several neighborhoods, including Rocky Bayou, Lake Lorraine, and unincorporated areas of Shalimar and Crestview.

SHALIMAR — Okaloosa County Commissioners approved a new ordinance on June 10, updating golf cart regulations to align with revised state statutes.

Under the updated rules, individuals under 18 will now need a valid learner’s permit or driver’s license to operate golf carts, officially known as low speed vehicles (LSVs) on county-maintained roads. Those 18 and older must possess a valid photo ID.

The ordinance, passed unanimously after a brief public hearing where no one from the public offered input, aims to curb the unauthorized and dangerous use of golf carts by minors.

In addition to the age restrictions, the ordinance mandates that golf carts:

Be operated only on designated residential roads with posted speed limits (ranging from 25 to 35 mph, depending on the neighborhood).
Be restricted to daylight hours unless equipped with headlights, brake lights, turn signals, and a windshield. (Rocky Bayou Country Club)
Carry no more passengers than the number of available seats, with all riders seated.
Be covered by liability insurance equivalent to that required for automobiles in Florida. (Shalimar and Rocky Bayou)
Be equipped with essential safety features, including efficient brakes, safe tires, a rearview mirror, and red reflector warning devices on both front and rear.

The ordinance applies to specific areas across the county, including the Rocky Bayou Country Club Estates, Lake Lorraine, and the unincorporated areas of Shalimar (Meigs Drive, Dogwood Drive, 1st Avenue, and portions of 8th Street).

Additionally, it covers portions of unincorporated Shalimar, unincorporated Fort Walton Beach, and parts of unincorporated Crestview.

Commissioner Trey Goodwin introduced an amendment to the amendment, allowing nighttime operation in Rocky Bayou and other areas, provided golf carts meet the enhanced safety standards.

The amendment was approved and integrated into the final ordinance.

The move comes amid rising concerns about unauthorized use of golf carts by minors, particularly in residential neighborhoods.

Commissioner Carolyn Ketchel referenced a recent incident in which a 13-year-old driving a golf cart caused a crash that ejected four children — including a 5-year-old — from the vehicle.

“We’ve had a lot of issues with kids underage and without learner’s permits driving golf carts,” Ketchel said. “The problem is, parents often aren’t aware, and by the time law enforcement arrives, the cart is gone.”

Under the new rules, law enforcement still faces limitations in

enforcement, as officers must witness a violation in progress to take action.

The ordinance also prohibits golf cart operation on sidewalks, state roads, and other non-designated public areas but allows crossings at approved points with proper signage.

County officials emphasized the core message: golf carts are motor vehicles under the law and must follow all applicable traffic rules, including yielding at stop signs.

The ordinance takes effect immediately.