When planning your trip, arranging an Anna Maria golf cart rental is one of the easiest ways to explore the island. It’s part of the island vibe, the open-air rides to the beach, ice cream runs with the kids, and evening trips to watch the sunset. Golf carts make getting around easy and fun, especially for families.
But one big question comes up almost every time: How old do you have to be to drive a golf cart on Anna Maria Island?
It’s a smart question, and the answer has changed. Florida updated its golf cart laws in 2023, and many families are still seeing old or wrong info online. Some parents think kids as young as 14 years old can drive. Others assume there’s no age limit at all.
To help you plan with confidence, this post explains the current law, how it applies to Anna Maria Island, and what it means for your family. By the end, you’ll know exactly who can drive, how to stay safe, and how golf carts fit into your vacation fun.
Florida’s Updated Golf Cart Age Law
In October 2023, Florida passed a new law that changed the minimum age to drive a golf cart. If your family is renting a cart on Anna Maria Island, this rule applies to you.
Here’s what the law says:
- If you’re under 18:
- You must have a learner’s permit (age 15+) or a driver’s license (age 16+) to drive on public roads.
- Kids under 15 years old cannot drive at all, even for short trips.
- If you’re 18 or older:
- You must carry a photo ID (like a driver’s license, state ID, or passport) at all times while driving.
Before this change, some kids as young as 14 years old could drive in Florida. That is no longer the case. The law is now clear: no permit or license, no driving.
Many families start their vacation planning by searching for “golf cart rentals near me.” That’s a great first step, but once you’re on Anna Maria Island, it’s just as important to know the age and safety rules before handing the keys to your teen.
For parents, this rule makes things simpler. Teens who are 15 years or older and have a permit can take turns driving. Teens with a license at age 16+ can handle more driving if parents are comfortable. Younger kids can still enjoy the ride, but they’ll stay passengers.
Bring your teen’s learner’s permit or license with you on vacation. Rental companies and local police may ask to see it.
Knowing the age rules is step one. Next, let’s look at how the type of cart you rent can change what’s allowed.
Golf Carts vs. Low Speed Vehicles (LSVs): Why It Matters
On Anna Maria Island, you’ll see the terms “golf cart” and “LSV” (Low Speed Vehicle) used often. They’re similar, but the rules are different.
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Golf carts:
- Not titled or registered with the state.
- Can be driven from sunrise to sunset. Night use is only allowed if the city approves it and the cart has headlights, brake lights, turn signals, and a windshield.
- May only be driven on roads specifically designated for golf carts, usually where the posted speed limit is 30 mph or less.
- Governed by Florida Statute 316.212.
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Low Speed Vehicles (LSVs):
- Fully street-legal: titled, registered, and insured.
- Allowed on streets with speed limits of 35 mph or less, and can cross faster roads only at intersections.
- A driver’s license is required (a learner’s permit alone is not enough).
Which One Will You Get?
Most rentals on Anna Maria Island use LSVs. Families need them to reach beaches, restaurants, and shops because LSVs are legal on the main island roads.
Ask your rental company whether you’re getting a golf cart or an LSV. This way, you know which rules apply to your drivers.
Once you know your vehicle type, the next thing to understand is how local rules are enforced across Anna Maria Island’s three cities.
Local Ordinances on Anna Maria Island
Anna Maria Island is small, but it’s made up of three separate cities: Holmes Beach, Bradenton Beach, and the City of Anna Maria. Each one follows state law but also enforces its own local rules.
- Holmes Beach: Follows Florida’s age law. Requires carts to meet equipment rules if used at night.
- Bradenton Beach: Ordinance 19-514 sets the rules for operation, equipment, and penalties for violations.
- City of Anna Maria: Strict on parking. Golf carts must use marked spots only, parking on sidewalks, grass, or in front of driveways can get you a ticket.
Since each city enforces its own rules, it helps to choose a trusted provider. Many families book through Anna Maria Island rentals golf cart companies that know the local laws and provide carts that are already compliant with safety standards.
Family tip: Always watch for posted signs. Just because parking or driving is allowed in one area doesn’t mean it’s allowed everywhere.
Local insight: Reputable companies like AMI Golf Cart Rentals provide carts that already meet safety standards, so you don’t have to worry about compliance.
For more details, we’ve created a resource on Where to Get Anna Maria Island Golf Cart Rentals Delivered Free Today. It’s a quick guide that explains how free delivery works and why it makes family travel so much easier.
What This Means for Families on Vacation
Here’s how these rules apply to your family when visiting Anna Maria Island:
- Parents: If your kids are under 15 years old, you’ll be the driver. Parents are always responsible for safe operation.
- Teens (ages 15–17): Can drive with a permit or license, but parents should supervise.
- Younger kids: Can ride along but cannot drive. Seatbelts are required.
The Family Benefit
Teens love the independence of driving (with supervision). Parents get a break from being the only driver. Younger kids enjoy the open-air ride.
Picture your family heading to the beach. In the morning, Mom drives while traffic is heavier. Later, your 16-year-old with a driver’s license takes the wheel for a quick ice cream run. Everyone gets to share in the fun, and it’s completely legal.
We also know that once families understand the age rules, the next question is often budget. That’s why we put together a guide on How Much It Costs to Rent a Golf Cart for Family Vacations. It breaks down prices, discounts, and tips for stretching your vacation dollars.
Of course, knowing who can drive is only part of the picture. Safe driving habits make every ride more enjoyable.
Family Safety Tips for Driving on AMI
Even if your teen meets the age requirement, safety always comes first. Here are a few easy rules to keep in mind:
- Buckle up: Seatbelts are required in LSVs.
- Set ground rules: No phones, no speeding, no distractions while driving.
- Park properly: Use marked spaces only—never sidewalks, grass, or dunes.
- Stick to the right roads: Only drive on streets with speed limits of 35 mph or less.
- Charge overnight: Plug in your cart each evening so it’s ready in the morning.
- Family benefit: Following these steps means less stress and more fun. Everyone enjoys the ride without worry.
Why Families Love Golf Carts on AMI
Rules aside, golf carts are one of the best parts of a family vacation on Anna Maria Island. They’re more than just a way to get from point A to point B, but they add to the fun.
- Easier to park than cars.
- Keep the whole family together.
- Perfect for quick trips to the beach, shops, and restaurants.
- Quiet, eco-friendly, and relaxing.
- Make even short errands feel like an adventure.
Parents enjoy the convenience, teens like the responsibility, and younger kids love the novelty of an open-air ride. Golf carts truly fit the island lifestyle.
Stress-Free Golf Cart Driving for Families
So, how old do you have to be to drive a golf cart on Anna Maria Island?
- At least 15 years old with a learner’s permit
- 16 years old with a driver’s license
- 18 years old with a photo ID
Following these rules keeps your family safe, legal, and stress-free.
For families, golf carts aren’t just transportation—they’re part of the vacation itself. They make every trip fun and memorable, from a beach day to a dinner outing.
When you’re ready, book your Anna Maria Island golf cart rental with AMI Golf Cart Rentals and give your family the freedom to explore safely and easily.
