Alternative Transportation
The City of Fort Walton Beach allows for the use of Low-Speed Vehicles (LSV) and Golf Carts within the city limits. The vehicles can only be driven on designated city roads as outline below and cannot be used on sidewalks, bike paths, parking lanes, etc. Low-Speed Vehicles and Golf Carts each have different rules regarding who can drive them and where. Below is a brief summary of what you should know if you plan to operate either type of vehicle within Fort Walton Beach City limits.
Confused about what vehicle you have? Check out these resources:
- Printable PDF guide to Low-Speed Vehicles from the FLHSMV
- Video guide to owning Low-Speed Vehicles from the FLHSMV
- FACT SHEET: Operating Low-Speed Vehicles and Golf Carts in the City of Fort Walton Beach.
Low-Speed Vehicles
Low-Speed Vehicles (LSV) are vehicles with a top speed between 20 mph and 30 mph. LSVs must have a VIN number and be registered, titled, and carry a license plate from the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles department. They must also be insured with personal injury protection (PIP) and property damage liability (PDL) insurance. LSV operators MUST have a valid driver’s license and may only drive the vehicle on City streets where the speed limit is 35mph or less. LSVs cannot be driven on State Roads, but LSV drivers can cross a State Road at intersections with a traffic light.
PLEASE NOTE: In the City of Fort Walton Beach, the following roads are State Roads and cannot be used by Low-Speed Vehicles: U.S. Highway 98, Eglin Parkway, Beal Parkway, Florida Place SE, and Perry Avenue SE. EXCEPTION: The one exception to this rule is an allowance for LSVs to be driven on Eglin Parkway between Third Street SE and U.S. Highway 98 to allow drivers to cross US 98 and access Brooks Street. SEE ILLUSTRATION BELOW:
To operate an LSV within Fort Walton Beach City limits, you will need to purchase an annual vehicle permit decal from the city at a cost of $25. Visit Fort Walton Beach's My Government Online (MGO) portal to apply. For additional information, contact the City Planning and Zoning Department at 850-833-9605 or email planning@fwb.org.
Golf Carts
Golf Carts are vehicles designed for operation on a golf course for sporting or recreational purposes and which are not capable of exceeding speeds of 20 mph. Golf Carts may be driven only on City streets within one of the City's two designated Golf Cart zones and only on streets with a posted speed limit of 30 mph or less. The northern Golf Cart zone is located in the Kenwood neighborhood. The southern Golf Cart zone includes the Elliott Point and Ferry Park neighborhoods and the Downtown Entertainment District. (SEE MAP BELOW)
View large map of Fort Walton Beach's Golf Cart zones
The Fort Walton Beach Code of Ordinances requires Golf Cart drivers to have a valid driver's license in their possession.
To operate a Golf Cart within Fort Walton Beach City limits, you will need to have proof of insurance (personal injury protection (PIP) and property damage liability (PDL) insurance) and you will need to purchase an annual vehicle permit decal from the city at a cost of $25. You can purchase a city permit for day use only or for day and night use. Click here to read requirements for operating Golf Carts in the City. To register your Golf Cart visit Fort Walton Beach's Municipal Government Online page. For additional information regarding Golf Carts, contact the City Planning and Zoning Department at 850-833-9605 or email planning@fwb.org.
Please note: Florida state law prohibits the use of ATVs, utility carts, side-by-sides and other similar-style vehicles on all paved roads, which includes all roads located within the City of Fort Walton Beach.