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County amends golf-cart ordinance to match state age and equipment rules; board adds overnight-equipment exception
Summary
Okaloosa County commissioners unanimously approved amendments to golf-cart rules June 10 to align local ordinance with state law on driver age and added a modification to allow nighttime operation in specified subdivisions if carts have headlights, brake lights and turn signals.
The Board of County Commissioners on June 10 approved an ordinance amendment to align local golf-cart regulations with recent changes in Florida law and added an amendment to allow limited night operation in a named subdivision if carts are properly equipped.
Scott Bitterman of Public Works told commissioners the change updates county code so golf carts may not be operated on county-maintained roads by persons under 18 unless they possess a valid learner’s permit or by persons 18 or older without a valid photo ID, consistent with state statute. After public discussion, the board approved a modification to add language letting certain subdivision rules permit operation between sunset and sunrise if the golf cart is equipped with headlights, brake lights, turn signals and a windshield.
Commissioners cited enforcement challenges and safety concerns, including a recent local crash they said involved four children; one child was thrown beneath a cart when a 13-year-old was driving. The board emphasized that parental supervision and law enforcement enforcement remain central to addressing unsafe operation.
Outcome: The ordinance amendment passed unanimously with the added equipment exception included for specified subdivision subzones; staff will update ordinance text accordingly and proceed to publish the change.
