Miramar Beach / Sandestin Golf Cart Rental Guide: Rules, Where You Can Drive, and How to Book

The short answer

In Miramar Beach, only street-legal low-speed vehicles (LSVs) that are registered, titled, and insured may be driven on public roads. Ordinary golf carts are not allowed on any public roadway at any time under Walton County Sheriff's Office rules. LSVs must display a valid registration tag and meet Florida Statute 316.2122 requirements, including seat belts, mirrors, lights, and a windshield. LSVs can only be operated on streets posted 35 mph or less, and the operator must have a valid driver's license. Scenic Gulf Drive (Old 98) is the main legal route for LSVs. Inside Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, only carts registered with the Sandestin Owners Association may be used, and most rental operators cannot deliver carts inside the resort gates.

Where you can drive

LSVs are permitted only on public roads posted 35 mph or less in Miramar Beach. Scenic Gulf Drive (Old 98) is the primary legal cart route running parallel to the beach and connecting many vacation rentals, shops, and restaurants. Secondary neighborhood roads posted 35 mph or less are also accessible for LSVs. US Highway 98 is strictly off-limits for golf carts and LSVs; however, you may cross US 98 at four-way intersections only. LSVs are also prohibited from operating on sidewalks and bike paths anywhere in Walton County. Walton County commissioners have increased signage and enforcement along Scenic Gulf Drive and County Road 30A to ensure compliance with these rules. Always check road signs for speed limits and LSV restrictions, as enforcement is active and violations can result in criminal charges and impoundment.

Who can drive

Florida Statute 316.2122 requires that anyone operating an LSV must hold a valid driver's license. This applies to all drivers, regardless of age, and must be carried at all times while operating the vehicle. No learner’s permits or provisional licenses are accepted. The statute also requires that the LSV itself be registered, titled, and insured to the state minimum liability standard. If you plan to rent, check with the operator to confirm that the vehicle is properly registered and insured. Only the person(s) listed on the rental agreement and holding a valid license should drive the LSV. Allowing an unlicensed person to drive can result in fines or other penalties.

Equipment, seat belts and safety

All LSVs must be equipped with seat belts for every designated seat, mirrors, a windshield, headlamps, turn signals, stop/tail lamps, reflectors, a parking brake, and a visible VIN. Under Walton County Sheriff's Office rules, every occupant must wear a seat belt while the vehicle is in motion. Children under 18 must be properly restrained, and any child 5 years old or younger must use a car seat or booster seat, just as in a regular car. Open containers of alcohol are strictly prohibited in LSVs. Failure to comply with any of these requirements can result in criminal charges, fines, and the vehicle being impounded. Always check that your rental LSV meets these equipment standards before accepting delivery.

Beaches, sidewalks and parking

LSVs are not allowed on any sidewalks or bike paths in Miramar Beach or Walton County. They are also prohibited from driving or parking on the beach itself. When parking, LSVs must use designated vehicle parking spaces only and may not be parked directly behind another vehicle in the same space. Parking in non-designated areas or blocking access can lead to fines or towing. Always look for posted signs indicating legal parking for LSVs, especially near beach accesses and public facilities. Enforcement of parking rules is handled by the Walton County Sheriff's Office, and violations are taken seriously.

How renting works in Miramar Beach / Sandestin

Only registered street-legal LSVs may be rented for use on public roads in Miramar Beach. Ordinary golf carts that do not meet LSV standards cannot be rented for use on public streets. The main rental businesses serving this area are Street Legal Golf Cart Rentals, Luxury Cart Rental of Destin, and Coastal Cruisers. LSVs are available in 4, 6, and 8-seat configurations. If your vacation rental is inside Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, be aware that only golf carts registered with the Sandestin Owners Association are permitted inside the resort gates. Most local rental companies cannot deliver carts to Sandestin properties unless the cart is pre-registered with the resort association. Always confirm with your rental operator whether delivery to your specific address is possible and whether the cart is eligible for use in your area. Rentals typically require a valid driver’s license and may require you to sign an agreement acknowledging local laws and safety requirements. Check with the operator for details on insurance coverage and any additional requirements.

Booking on CartBooker

To compare available LSVs and check which rental businesses can deliver to your location, visit CartBooker’s Miramar Beach / Sandestin rentals page. CartBooker lists only street-legal LSVs from Street Legal Golf Cart Rentals, Luxury Cart Rental of Destin, and Coastal Cruisers. You can filter by cart size (4, 6, or 8 seats) and see which options are available for your dates and address. If you are staying inside Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, confirm with your host and the rental operator that the cart is registered with the Sandestin Owners Association before booking. For all other Miramar Beach locations, check that your route is limited to roads posted 35 mph or less and that your rental LSV meets all required safety and registration standards. If you have questions about delivery, equipment, or local restrictions, check with the operator before booking.