City of Panama City Expands Golf Cart Access and Implements New Child Safety Requirements

June 11, 2025

by City of Panama City

PANAMA CITY, FL – The City of Panama City continues its commitment to safe and recreational golf cart use with the adoption of two major updates that expand approved neighborhoods and strengthen safety requirements, particularly for young passengers. Today, the City Commission unanimously adopted Ordinance No. 3265, further expanding access to the following neighborhoods: Lake Huntington, Forest Park, Downtown North, Candlewick, Glenwood and Liberty. This comes after the Commission voted 4-1 to adopt Ordinance No. 3233 on August 13, 2024, officially approving golf cart operation in the St. Andrews and Downtown areas following previous established neighborhoods, including The Cove, Millville, SweetBay, and Venetian Villa. With these additions, golf cart use is now permitted on designated City streets within 12 neighborhoods.

As part of the new regulations, the City has introduced mandatory child safety restraints for golf cart passengers ages five and under:

Children ages 0–3 must be secured in a separate child safety carrier properly attached to the golf cart.

Children ages 4–5 may use a carrier or seat belt. Booster seats are not permitted.

Children may not be held on the lap or in the arms of another passenger or the driver at anytime. In alignment with Florida Statute 316.212, all golf carts must:

Operate only on designated city streets within approved neighborhoods.

Be equipped with working brakes, reliable steering, safe tires, a rearview mirror, and red reflectorized warning devices (front and rear).

Have headlights, brake lights, turn signals, and a windshield for legal operation after sunset.

Be driven by a licensed driver and carry only as many passengers as there are properly installed seats.

The City also reminds residents to understand the difference between a golf cart and a low-speed vehicle (LSV). Golf carts are limited to speeds of 20 miles per hour or less and are restricted to City-designated roads. They are not required to be registered or insured. In contrast, LSVs can travel between 20 and 25 miles per hour, are permitted on roads with a posted speed limit of 35 miles per hour or less, and must be registered, insured, and equipped with all standard motor vehicle safety features such as seat belts, mirrors, brake lights, and turn signals.

It is important to note that golf carts remain prohibited on or across all State and County roads within City limits, including N Everett Ave, Hwy 98, Harrison Ave, MLK Jr. Blvd, Hwy 231, and others.

Residents are encouraged to visit www.panamacity.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=610 for detailed maps, operational requirements, and further educational resources.