St. Augustine Golf Cart Laws (2026)

St. Augustine is the oldest city in the United States, and its narrow streets and compact Historic District make it a natural fit for golf carts. The city passed Ordinance 2019-02, which allows golf carts on designated streets within the Historic District and on roads with speed limits of 25 mph or less. Golf carts are not allowed on US-1, on the Bridge of Lions, or on any road with a speed limit above 35 mph. St. Johns County separately adopted its own golf cart ordinance in 2024, conforming to Florida state statute. Golf cart rentals are popular with tourists exploring the colonial architecture, Castillo de San Marcos, and the St. George Street pedestrian zone.

• Golf carts are allowed on designated streets within the Historic District and on roads with speed limits of 25 mph or less under Ordinance 2019-02
• Golf carts may NOT cross or travel on US-1 (San Marco Avenue / Ponce de Leon Boulevard), the Bridge of Lions, or any road with a speed limit above 35 mph
• A valid driver's license is required. Florida law requires operators under 18 to have a valid learner's permit or license
• Golf carts must have seat belts, headlights, and turn signals for street use
• Night use requires reflective decals and functional lighting
• St. Johns County adopted its own golf cart ordinance (Ordinance 2024-7) conforming to Florida Statute 316.212 for areas outside the city limits
• Golf carts are NOT allowed on sidewalks or bike paths except when crossing to access a roadway
• Standard Florida traffic laws apply: stop signs, red lights, yielding to pedestrians

• St. George Street - the famous pedestrian-only shopping street; golf carts are not allowed on the pedestrian zone itself, but can access surrounding streets
• Avenida Menendez - runs along the Matanzas River with views of the Castillo de San Marcos; cart-friendly
• King Street - connects downtown to the Flagler College area; low speed limit
• Cordova Street - passes the Lightner Museum and Flagler College; popular with tour carts
• San Marco Avenue / US-1 - prohibited for golf carts; this is the main north-south highway through town
• Bridge of Lions (SR A1A) - prohibited; connects downtown to Anastasia Island
• Anastasia Boulevard - outside the Historic District; check speed limits before using a cart here

• The Historic District is compact and walkable, but a golf cart lets you cover more ground and reach spots like the Lighthouse and the Fort without as much walking
• St. George Street is pedestrian-only, so you cannot drive a cart on it. Park nearby and walk in
• Do not attempt to cross the Bridge of Lions in a golf cart. It connects to Anastasia Island and is off-limits
• Golf cart rental shops are located near the Historic District. Prices are typically hourly or by the half/full day
• If you are staying in St. Johns County (outside city limits), the county's 2024 ordinance applies instead of the city ordinance. Rules are similar but check designated roads
• Parking in the Historic District is tight. Golf carts are easier to park than cars, but you still need to use legitimate spots