Heads up, teen golf cart drivers: A new Florida law goes into effect July 1. What we know
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Under a bill signed into law by Gov. Ron DeSantis on Thursday, Florida teens now won't be able to drive golf carts without a permit or driver's license.
DeSantis signed HB 949, a bill sponsored by Rep. Cyndi Stevenson, R- St. Johns, that officially bans young drivers from public streets. The law takes effect July 1.
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Here's what we know:
Who proposed the legislation and why?
Stevenson proposed the bill in February because of concerns raised by the St. Johns County Sheriff's Office about minors suffering injuries during the course of using golf carts.
Golf carts typically top out at 15 mph.
What does the law require?
Florida residents who are 18 or younger must obtain a learner’s permit or driver’s license before they may legally drive a golf cart.
Florida residents older than 18 must carry a state-issued ID while operating one.
The law doesn't apply to low-speed vehicles or e-bikes.
How does it impact DeBary, other golf cart-friendly cities?
The new law isn't expected to affect DeBary, where permitted residents may drive their golf carts on certain roads, sidewalks and trails.
"Our golf cart ordinance already required driver's licenses or learner's permit with a licensed driver, which was not in the current state statute, so this will not have to be updated," Shari Simmans, DeBary's director of economic development, communications and government affairs, said via email.
This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: New Florida golf cart law requires minors to have permit or license
