Key West Golf Cart Rental Guide: Rules, Where You Can Drive, and How to Book

The short answer

Key West rental golf carts are almost always street-legal low-speed vehicles (LSVs). Under Florida law (FS 316.2122), these vehicles are titled, registered, insured, and equipped for public road use. You can drive them on nearly every city street in Key West, including Duval Street, as long as the posted speed limit is 35 mph or less. You must have a valid driver's license, and most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 to 25 years old—check with your chosen operator for specifics. Seat belts must be worn by all passengers, and DUI laws apply just as they do in a car. Carts are not allowed on US-1 (the Overseas Highway), on bridges, or on sidewalks and bike paths. Parking is in standard car spaces, which are often metered or paid in Old Town. Rental companies offer 4, 6, and 8-seat carts.

Where you can drive

Florida's low-speed vehicle statute (FS 316.2122) allows LSVs only on roads posted 35 mph or less. In practice, nearly every street on Key West qualifies, including Duval Street, Simonton Street, and Whitehead Street. Many drivers prefer Simonton or Whitehead for easier traffic, but there is no city ordinance banning carts from Duval or the Roosevelt boulevards. You cannot drive a rental cart on US-1 (the Overseas Highway) or any bridge connecting the Keys. Each operator sets its own range rules: for example, Sunset Watersports allows LSVs on both Key West and Stock Island (as long as you stay on roads posted 35 mph or less), while Fury Water Adventures and Fun Rentals restrict carts to Key West only, prohibiting travel toward Stock Island or beyond the CVS on US-1. Always confirm your cart’s permitted range before heading out, as violating these boundaries can result in fines or penalties set by the operator. For most visitors, the entire historic district and popular destinations are accessible by cart.

Who can drive

Florida law requires any LSV operator to have a valid driver's license. The minimum legal age is 16, but nearly all Key West rental companies set their own higher minimums, commonly between 21 and 25 years old. This means that even if you meet the legal age, you must still comply with the rental company's policy—always check the terms before booking. International visitors may use a valid license from their home country, but again, confirm with the rental company. Only licensed drivers may operate the cart; unlicensed drivers, including minors, are not permitted to drive at any time. Passengers do not need a license, but all must wear seat belts. If you plan to share driving duties, ensure all drivers are listed and meet the operator’s age and license requirements.

Equipment, seat belts and safety

Every rental cart in Key West must meet Florida’s LSV equipment standards. This means your cart will have headlamps, stop lamps, turn signals, taillamps, reflex reflectors, a parking brake, rearview mirrors, a windshield, seat belts for each passenger, and a visible vehicle identification number (VIN). These requirements are enforced under FS 316.2122 and FLHSMV rules. Seat belts are mandatory for every rider, regardless of age or seating position. DUI laws apply exactly as they do for cars: driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal and subject to the same penalties. Carts are limited to a top speed of 20-25 mph, and are not permitted on higher-speed roads. Before you drive, check that all safety equipment is functioning, and report any issues to the rental company immediately. Operators are responsible for ensuring carts are registered and insured to state minimums.

Beaches, sidewalks and parking

Rental carts are not permitted on any sidewalk or bike path anywhere in Key West. This includes waterfront promenades, park trails, and any pedestrian-only areas. Carts are also not allowed on beaches or in beach parking lots that are not designated for standard vehicles. When parking, use regular car spaces—never park on the sidewalk, grass, or in spaces marked for motorcycles or mopeds. Most parking in Old Town is metered or paid, and the same rates and time limits apply to carts as to cars. Parking enforcement is active, and violations can result in fines. If you’re visiting busy areas like Mallory Square or near the Southernmost Point, allow extra time to find legal parking. Parking scarcity is a key reason many visitors choose a cart over a car, but always follow posted rules to avoid penalties.

How renting works in Key West

Key West’s rental market is served by a wide range of companies, including Conch Cart Rentals, Barefoot Billy's, Conch Electric Cars of Key West, Fury Water Adventures, HydroThunder of Key West, Mile 0 Rentals, Southernmost Golf Carts, Paradise Rentals, Pirate Scooter Rentals, SunShine Scooters, A&M Rentals, Sharky's Golf Carts, Bone Island Rentals, Salty Rentals Key West, Golf Carts Key West, Key West Electric Cars, Blue Sky Rentals, JG Golf Cart Rentals, JV Rent'All, Rooster Run Rentals, Tropical Golf Cart Rental, Moped Hospital, Sunset Watersports Key West, Fun Rentals Key West, The Key Rides, Key West Golf Carts, LLC, Fun in the Sun - Golf Carts, and Cayo Hueso Carts. Cart sizes available are 4, 6, and 8 seats. Most companies require a valid driver’s license and set a minimum age—usually 21 to 25. Some may require all drivers to be present at pickup. Confirm whether your rental allows travel to Stock Island or is restricted to Key West proper, as range rules differ. All rental carts are street-legal LSVs, registered and insured as required by Florida law. Booking in advance is recommended, especially during busy seasons or cruise ship days. Check with your chosen operator for specific terms, insurance details, and any additional requirements.

Booking on CartBooker

CartBooker makes it easy to compare the different Key West golf cart rental companies and find available 4, 6, or 8-seat LSVs for your trip. Each listing shows the operator’s stated age limits, license requirements, and any range restrictions (such as whether Stock Island is included). See all Key West golf cart rentals here. Before you book, review the operator’s terms for driver eligibility, permitted driving area, and what documentation you’ll need at pickup. If you have questions about boundaries, insurance, or equipment, check with the operator directly to avoid surprises on arrival.