Short answer: Anna Maria Island has three cities with three different sets of rules. Holmes Beach allows golf carts only on streets posted 25 mph or less, only if registered with the city, and registration is open to Holmes Beach residents only. Bradenton Beach allows golf carts on any city road not marked as prohibited, and requires liability insurance. The City of Anna Maria has no golf cart section in its traffic code, so Florida's statewide rules apply there. In all three, a registered and insured low-speed vehicle (LSV) with a licensed driver is the option that works island-wide on roads posted 35 mph or less.
Last verified against the Holmes Beach, Bradenton Beach and Anna Maria codes of ordinances: . Reviewed by Mike Burdman and Joe Magaro, Low Speed Living / Cart Life TV (20 years combined golf cart experience). General information, not legal advice.
Golf cart rules on Anna Maria Island by city
| Rule | Holmes Beach | Bradenton Beach | City of Anna Maria |
|---|---|---|---|
| Where golf carts may drive | City streets posted 25 mph or less (Sec. 62-38) | Any city road not signed as a prohibited road (Sec. 58-77) | No local golf cart section found in Chapter 58; state law applies |
| Roads that are off limits | Palm Drive, Gulf Drive, the 5300 to 6600 blocks of Marina Drive, and others on the city's Golf Cart Accessibility Map | Roads the city has signed as prohibited; all sidewalks except marked multi-use paths | Not specified locally |
| City registration | Required, with a windshield decal; residents of Holmes Beach only; not transferable | Not specified in the ordinance | Not specified locally |
| Insurance | Not specified in the ordinance | Liability insurance required; carry proof while driving | Not specified locally |
| Seat belts | Required for every rider; riders limited to belted seats | Not required for golf carts; riders limited to the number of seats | Not specified locally |
| Fine | $75 per violation (Sec. 62-44) | Up to $500, up to 60 days, or both (Sec. 58-79) | Not specified locally |
Can you drive a golf cart in Holmes Beach?
Yes, with limits. Holmes Beach permits golf carts on city streets except any street posted 26 mph or higher. Carts may cross Gulf Drive, Palm Drive and Marina Drive from approved streets, and may cross a state road only at a signalized crossing approved by the Florida Department of Transportation.
- Registration: every cart driven on city streets must be registered with the city and show its decal on the passenger-side top corner of the windshield. Registration is available only to Holmes Beach residents.
- Driver: a learner's permit or driver license, or age 18 or older with government-issued photo ID.
- Equipment: efficient brakes, reliable steering, safe tires, rearview mirror, side view mirrors, front and rear red reflectors, headlights, brake lights, a windshield, and a seat belt for each rider.
- Speed: the cart's top speed may not exceed 20 mph.
- Not allowed: sidewalks, multiuse trails, bike paths or lanes, boardwalks, the beach, beach accesses, and city parks. Registered carts may use public city parking lots.
Can you drive a golf cart in Bradenton Beach?
Yes. Bradenton Beach's 2020 ordinance allows golf carts on any city road the city has not signed as prohibited.
- Hours: sunrise to sunset, unless the cart has headlights, brake lights, turn signals and a windshield.
- Insurance: owners must carry liability insurance and have proof with them.
- Equipment: efficient brakes, reliable steering, safe tires, a rearview mirror, and front and rear red reflectors.
- Driver age: the city code sets a minimum age of 14 and photo ID for unlicensed drivers over 16. Florida law has been stricter since October 1, 2023: anyone under 18 needs a learner's permit or driver license. Follow the state rule.
- Passengers: no more riders than seats, and no standing while moving.
The ordinance's definition also says golf carts moving within the city must be "legally licensed by the State of Florida." Florida does not register standard golf carts, so confirm with the Bradenton Beach Police Department how the city applies that sentence.
What about the City of Anna Maria?
We found no section on golf carts or low-speed vehicles in Chapter 58 (Traffic and Vehicles) of the City of Anna Maria code. Under Florida law, a standard golf cart may use a public road only where the local government has designated it, so do not assume carts are allowed there. Check with the city or the Manatee County Sheriff's Office substation before driving an unregistered cart in Anna Maria.
Are LSVs allowed on Anna Maria Island?
Yes. Holmes Beach requires LSVs to follow Florida law, have a seat belt for every rider, stay within seating capacity, and park in the direction of traffic; they are barred from sidewalks, trails, bike lanes, the beach and parks. Bradenton Beach allows LSVs on city roads posted 35 mph or less that are not signed as prohibited, with a valid driver license, registration, insurance and title. Rental "golf carts" on the island are typically LSVs for this reason.
Florida's statewide baseline
Florida allows standard golf carts only on roads a local government has designated, and allows registered, insured LSVs with a licensed driver on streets posted 35 mph or less. See Florida golf cart and LSV laws for the full state rules.