Indian Rocks Beach raises minimum age for golf cart drivers

INDIAN ROCKS BEACH, Fla. — Indian Rocks Beach has raised the minimum age to drive a golf cart within city limits.

City commissioners voted to increase the age requirement to align with state law.

Golf carts are a common sight in many Florida beach communities, including Indian Rocks Beach. While many residents do not mind seeing golf carts on local roads, some have expressed concerns about young drivers operating them.

“Sometimes we have a problem — they are going so fast — never pay attention and the golf cart doesn’t have a good brake like a car,” said longtime resident Zygnunt Natuska.

Natuska said too many young kids, mainly tourists, are driving golf carts and that it has become a safety issue. He recalled witnessing an accident involving a minor outside his home.

“They make a right turn, and they flip it,” Natuska said.

Indian Rocks Beach Commissioner John Bigelow said concerns about minors driving golf carts contributed to the commission’s decision.

“It’s been out of control with the minors driving the golf carts, and 99 percent of them are staying at the short-term rental properties,” Bigelow said.

Bigelow voted in favor of raising the minimum driving age.

“All the kids get bored real easy and they just start zipping up and down the street all day or a good part of the day,” he said.

Before the change, teens as young as 14 could legally drive golf carts. Under the new rules, drivers must be at least 18 years old and carry identification. Those under 18 must have a valid driver’s license or learner’s permit and be accompanied by a licensed adult.

Anyone stopped while operating a golf cart under the age of 18 without a licensed adult present will face a $500 fine.

Melania Bush, who operates Going Native Golf Cart Rentals, said her company already requires renters to be at least 21 years old.

“I have them sign a contract stating you have to be 21 and over,” Bush said.

Bush said she has been informing customers about the new regulations.

“I feel there are a lot of young kids driving that shouldn’t be driving, and I think overall everybody will get used to it for the betterment of this community and city,” she said.

Natuska remains concerned about enforcement.

“I never see the cops stopping this… the sheriff stopping these golf carts,” he said.

Still, he hopes the new rules will reduce the number of kids joyriding golf carts throughout the city.