NOCATEE, Fla. — We are ‘On You Side’ breaking down what you need to know about golf cart safety following a new bill that would change the legal age to operate a golf cart.
A meeting got underway at around 7pm Thursday to discuss new changes being enforced as the law takes effect October 1, 2023
“One of the main keys is that this law goes into effect in October, even though the bill was just signed, some people think it’s going into effect sooner,” said Barbara Barlage, Nocatee resident.
Barlage and other residents of Nocatee attended a two hour meeting led by an attorney and sheriff’s deputy. In the meeting, safety laws were discussed and insurance information, as well as other changes to be enforced as a new law goes into effect.
“I feel that a 14-year-old is too young to be driving any type of vehicle in our main roads or even on golf cart pads,” said Barlage.
First Coast News attended the meeting to gather information about how this new law will impact families across Florida.
The biggest takeaways are you must be 15 and older, with a valid Florida ID to operate. You also should not drink alcohol and drive a golf cart as you could still be arrested on DUI charges.
Insurance is recommended and not required.
“It goes into effect October first, number one and number two… even folks over eighteen years of age must have a government ID to drive a golf cart,” said Al Mollo.
The most important thing to keep in mind is operating a golf cart would be like operating a car, you need certain credentials to qualify.