Golf Cart Operations

The City of Panama City continues to support safe, recreational golf cart use within designated neighborhoods. Two major updates, adopted recently, expand the list of approved areas and enhance safety measures, especially for young passengers.

Newly Approved Neighborhoods for Golf Cart Operation

On August 13, 2024, the City Commission voted 4-1 to adopt Ordinance No. 3233, amending the Golf Carts section of the Municipal Code. This ordinance officially allows golf carts to operate on designated streets in the St. Andrews and Downtown areas. These additions build upon previously designated neighborhoods covered under Ordinances 2664, 2654, 2570, and 2518, which include:

  • The Cove
  • Millville
  • Downtown Panama City
  • St. Andrews
  • SweetBay
  • Venetian Villa

Most recently, on June 10, 2025, the Commission voted 5-0 to adopt Ordinance No. 3265, further expanding golf cart accessibility to the following neighborhoods:

  • Lake Huntington
  • Forest Park
  • Downtown North
  • Candlewick
  • Glenwood
  • Liberty

Maps of all designated streets for golf cart use are attached and available for public viewing.

Golf Cart Operation Guidelines in Panama City

In accordance with Florida Statute 316.212, the following rules apply to golf cart use on City streets:

  • Definition: Golf carts are vehicles designed for sport or recreational use, not capable of exceeding 20 mph, and must not be modified to go faster or alter the wheelbase.
  • Permitted Areas: Golf carts may only operate on City-designated roads or alleys within the approved neighborhoods.
  • Prohibited Roads: Golf carts cannot operate on or cross State or County roads unless otherwise designated (none are currently approved in Panama City). 
    • Examples of prohibited roads include:
      • N Everett Ave, Bus Hwy 98, 5th St, 6th St, 15th St/Hwy 98
      • Harrison Ave, Beach Dr, Beck Ave, Frankford Ave
      • Hwy 390, MLK Jr. Blvd, 23rd St, Hwy 231, N East Ave

City Map Golf Carts

Required Equipment for Golf Carts

To legally operate on designated streets, golf carts must be equipped with:

  • Efficient brakes
  • Reliable steering
  • Safe tires
  • A rearview mirror
  • Red reflectorized warning devices (front and rear)

Golf carts used after dark must also have:

  • Functioning headlights, taillights, brake lights, turn signals, and a windshield

Operator & Passenger Rules

  • Driver's License: All operators must have a valid driver’s license.
  • Passenger Capacity: Limited to the number of available, properly installed seats.
  • Operating Hours: Permitted only between sunrise and sunset, unless the golf cart has full nighttime safety equipment as listed above.

Golf Cart FAQS

New Requirement: Child Safety Restraints

As part of updated safety regulations, children 5 years old and younger must be properly restrained while riding in a golf cart:

  1. Children 0–3 years old: Must be secured in a separate child safety carrier that is properly attached to the golf cart.
  2. Children 4–5 years old: May use either a separate child safety carrier or a seat belt. Booster seats are not permitted.
  3. Lap Holding Prohibited: Children may not be held in the arms or lap of another passenger or driver under any circumstances.

Golf Cart vs. Low-Speed Vehicle (LSV)

It’s important to distinguish between a golf cart and a low-speed vehicle (LSV):

Feature

Golf Cart

Low-Speed Vehicle (LSV)

Max Speed

≤ 20 mph

20–25 mph

Road Access

Designated city streets only

Streets with ≤ 35 mph speed

Required Equipment

Basic safety equipment

Headlights, brake lights, signals, mirrors, seat belts, etc.

Registration & Insurance

Not required

Required (like a motor vehicle)


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What streets are approved for golf cart use?
 A: Streets within the Cove, Millville, SweetBay, Venetian Villa, St. Andrews, Downtown, Lake Huntington, Forest Park, Downtown North, Candlewick, Glenwood, and Liberty neighborhoods.

Q: Can I drive a golf cart on State or County roads?
A: No. Golf carts cannot operate on or cross any State or County roads unless designated by the City—none are currently approved.

Q: Are there any restrictions on where golf carts can be operated? 

A: Golf carts cannot be operated on sidewalks, bicycle paths, or any area not designated for motor vehicle or golf cart use

Q: Will there be signage on designated streets?
 A: Yes. The City will install signs indicating where golf cart use is allowed.

Q: Can I rent a golf cart to drive on city streets?
A: No. Golf carts may not be rented for use on public streets in Panama City.

Q: What are the penalties for violations?

  • 1st offense: $46
  • 2nd offense (within 2 years): $75
  • 3rd offense (within 2 years): $100

Q: Who is responsible for golf cart safety?
A: Operators assume full responsibility for safe operation and liability and must hold the City harmless for any claims or damages.