Indian Rocks Beach, Florida has raised the minimum age for operating a golf cart within city limits, bringing local rules in line with state law. Previously, drivers as young as 14 could legally operate a cart in the city. Under the updated ordinance, drivers must generally be at least 18 and carry identification. Those under 18 must hold a valid driver's license or learner's permit and be accompanied by a licensed adult. Violators face a $500 fine.
City Commissioner John Bigelow pointed directly to short-term rental visitors as the driving force behind the change. "It's been out of control with the minors driving the golf carts, and 99 percent of them are staying at the short-term rental properties," Bigelow said. He described young visitors who grow bored and spend much of the day zipping up and down residential streets — a pattern that frustrated longtime residents and drew repeated safety complaints to the commission.
Longtime resident Zygnunt Natuska said the problem has been visible for years. He noted that golf carts lack the braking capability of cars and described watching a minor flip a cart near his home after taking a turn too sharply. "They make a right turn, and they flip it," he said. Natuska welcomed the ordinance but said consistent enforcement will be the real test, noting that police stops of cart operators are rare.
At least one local rental operator was already ahead of the curve. Melania Bush of Going Native Golf Cart Rentals said her business requires renters to be at least 21 and sign a contract acknowledging that requirement. Bush said she believes the community will adapt and that the stricter rules benefit everyone. The situation in Indian Rocks Beach reflects a broader challenge playing out across Florida as golf carts migrate from courses into neighborhoods, downtowns, and vacation districts — forcing cities to draw clearer lines between convenience and public safety.
This story was originally reported by Golf Car News.
