Panama City Golf Cart Laws (2026)

Panama City has been steadily expanding golf cart access across the city. In August 2024, the City Commission adopted Ordinance No. 3233, officially opening the St. Andrews and Downtown neighborhoods to golf carts. In June 2025, Ordinance No. 3265 added six more neighborhoods. Today, 12 designated neighborhoods have approved streets for golf cart use, with more under consideration. One notable restriction: golf carts may not be rented for use on public streets in Panama City. The city also introduced child safety requirements for passengers age five and under. Note: Panama City and Panama City Beach are separate cities with different rules.

• Golf carts are allowed on designated city streets within 12 approved neighborhoods: Cove, Millville, SweetBay, Venetian Villa, St. Andrews, Downtown, Lake Huntington, Forest Park, Downtown North, Candlewick, Glenwood, and Liberty
• Golf carts may NOT operate on or cross any state or county roads unless specifically designated by the city (none are currently approved)
• Golf carts are limited to city roads with speed limits of 25 mph or less
• Golf carts may NOT be rented for use on public streets in Panama City
• Passengers under age 3 must be in a separate child carrier properly attached to the cart
• Passengers ages 4 to 5 may use a child carrier or seat belt (boosters are not permitted)
• Golf carts may NOT be modified to exceed 20 mph or have an altered wheelbase
• Golf carts are NOT allowed on sidewalks, bicycle paths, or any area not designated for motor vehicles
• A valid driver's license is required under Florida law for operators on public roads
• Panama City and Panama City Beach are separate cities with different rules

• St. Andrews neighborhood - one of the first areas approved; located along the bay with a growing restaurant and arts scene
• Downtown Panama City - approved in 2024; cart access to shops, restaurants, and the marina
• Millville neighborhood - one of the original approved areas
• Cove and SweetBay - residential neighborhoods with low-speed streets
• State roads through the city are off-limits for golf carts; no state road crossings are currently designated
• Harrison Avenue - the main downtown commercial street; check speed limits
• Maps of approved streets are available on the city website at panamacity.gov

• Golf cart rentals are not allowed for public street use in Panama City. If you own a cart, you can use it on approved streets in the 12 designated neighborhoods
• Do not cross any state or county road in a golf cart. Unlike other Florida cities, Panama City has not designated any state road crossings for cart use
• The 25 mph speed limit cap is stricter than the Florida state default of 30 mph. Make sure the roads you plan to use are posted at 25 or below
• Panama City and Panama City Beach are separate municipalities. Panama City Beach does not currently have a golf cart ordinance for public streets
• Check the city website for updated maps showing which streets in each neighborhood are approved. The city has been adding neighborhoods every few months
• Child safety rules are specific: under 3 must be in a carrier, ages 4-5 need a carrier or seat belt, and boosters are not allowed