Street Legal Golf Carts/LSV in Naturewalk at Seagrove and South Walton: What You Need to Know!
When you visit Naturewalk at Seagrove you are likely to see lots of vacationers and local homeowners cruising about in what look like are golf carts. They are ‘Street Legal Golf Carts‘ which are low speed vehicles (LSV) and ALL Florida Motor Vehicle laws are strictly enforced by the Walton County Sheriff Office.
Many rental homes in NatureWalk come with LSV or street legal golf carts but before you jump in and go for a ride – be sure to familiarize yourself with the ALL COUNTY AND NEIGHBORHOOD RULES. Neighborhood Watch reports all illegal usage and neighborhood rule violations of LSV’s to Law Enforcement which can result in a citation/or loss of use!
Where can you drive a Street Legal Golf Cart (LSV)?
Street Legal Golf Carts (LSV) are permitted on county-maintained roads, where the speed limit is 35 miles per hour or lower. Some roads in South Walton are county-maintained, while others are privately maintained. Private roads adhere to their own set of regulations. Fortunately, there’s an easy way to know which kind of road you are on. GREEN street signs indicate a county-maintained road, while BLUE street signs indicate a private road. Additionally, while Street Legal Golf Carts (LSV) are permitted on county roads, they are not allowed on bike paths, multi-use pathways, on boardwalks, on the beach, or on trails. These paths are reserved for walking, running, and biking. STREET LEGAL CARTS /LSVs ARE NOT ALLOWED ON US98.
If you are observed using the LSV cart on any boardwalk, trail, bike paths, multi-use pathways,
on US98, or in the beach sand, you may be fined and cart removed.
A quick reference map is available for reference if you are unsure. Click here to see the 30a Golf Cart allowed map.
What regulations apply to Street Legal Gold Carts (LSV)?
In order to be street legal, the low-speed vehicle must be registered with license plates. It is also required to have seatbelts, headlights, taillights, turn signals, reflectors, a windshield, rearview mirror, and a parking brake. In other words, the street legal golf cart must be safe for the streets! All passengers must wear a seat belt – therefore, a 6 passenger street legal cart is for 6 passengers, a 4 passenger street legal cart is for 4 passengers etc.
If you are observed using the LSV cart without seat belts, you may be fined and cart removed.
It should go without saying, but you must follow all the rules of the road when driving a street legal golf cart in Naturewalk and along 30A. This means adhering to the speed limit, signs, and traffic signals. Be aware of the traffic behind you – pull over to allow cars and trucks to pass.
Are car seats required for children under 4 years old who are riding in Street Legal Golf Carts (LSV)?
Yes. Florida law requires all children ages 3 or younger to be secured in a car seat while riding on a cart. Booster seats are encouraged for children over 4, but they are not required. Children of any age are never allowed on the lap of an adult. If you are found to be in violation of Florida seatbelt laws, your cart will be confiscated. Safety for riders of every age must be prioritized over fun and/or convenience.
If you are observed transporting children 3 or under without a car seat,
you may be fined and cart removed.
Who can drive them?
According to Florida Statute 316.2122, “Any person operating a low-speed vehicle or mini truck must have in his or her possession a valid driver license.” Street Legal Golf carts are considered vehicles, and therefore, any driver must have a valid driver license and have proof of auto insurance.
Florida law says that anyone with a valid driver’s license is allowed to operate a “low-speed vehicle”. According to the law, then, people as young as 16 who hold a valid license can drive a street-legal golf cart. However, it gets a little more complicated when you will be using a street legal golf cart during your stay. Most rental companies, private homes, and neighborhoods are obligated to follow restrictions related to the insurance they carry. Therefore, they have their own age restrictions and most owners/companies do not allow drivers less than 21 years old.
Underage drivers are not allowed in NatureWalk!
Which Beach Neighborhoods have restrictions on Street Legal Golf Cart/LSV rentals?
Some neighborhoods have privately maintained roads, including Seaside, Alys Beach, Rosemary Beach, and Sandestin. Some communities (Seaside, Rosemary Beach, Watercolor, Prominence, etc.) also have restrictions on street legal golf cart/LSV rentals.
Where to Park?
Make sure the street legal golf cart/LSV is parked in an authorized parking spot overnight. Naturewalk does not allow street parking, parking in the landscaping, overnight parking at the Gathering Place, and the NatureWalk HOA will tow illegally parked golf carts.
If you are observed parking illegally, you may be fined and cart towed.
All-in-all, renting a street legal golf cart/LSV for your beach
vacation includes responsibilities. When these rules are followed,
you will ensure a safe vacation environment for everyone!
Want to learn more?
Here’s what you should know about when operating a street legal golf cart/LSV along 30a. Additional information can be found at https://waltonso.org/lsv/.