City officials approved a revision to Ocala’s golf cart ordinance that will prohibit people under the age of 18 from operating the vehicles and require all operators to possess valid driver’s licenses.
On Tuesday, August 15, Ocala City Council members approved Ordinance 2023-53, which revises sections of the city’s code of ordinances that govern the operation of golf carts.
The move was made to bring city code in line with state law, which was changed this past May. Among other provisions, the new state law prohibits “a person under 18 years of age from operating a golf cart on certain roadways unless he or she possesses a valid learner’s driver license or valid driver license.”
It also prohibits a person 18 years of age or older from operating a golf cart on certain roadways unless he or she possesses a valid form of government-issued identification.
On August 1, an expanded golf cart map that was approved by Ocala City Council members earlier this year went into effect. The new map incorporated additional streets into the previously defined area, including access to downtown Ocala.
The new state law governing age and licensure of individuals operating golf carts in the state of Florida goes into effect statewide on October 1, 2023.
Currently, anyone operating a golf cart or low speed vehicle within the downtown area is required to register a one-time permit at a cost of $30. To apply for a permit, visit the City of Ocala golf cart registration webpage.