Street-legal golf carts on Anna Maria Island must follow Florida traffic laws, including child-safety seat requirements. Families arriving on AMI without knowing the rules can face citations on the road and a stressful first afternoon.
This guide covers exactly what Florida law requires and what Fun And More Rentals includes with every golf cart rental. We’ll also explain how to get the logistics sorted before you cross the bridge.
Duane Gartman is the owner of Fun And More Rentals, the largest vacation equipment rental company on Anna Maria Island. With nearly 20 years in business, Duane started with just two bicycles and built a fleet that now serves thousands of families each year. Fun And More Rentals is known for its free delivery and pickup service, Best Price Guarantee, and a focus on making island vacations effortless from arrival to departure.
Are Golf Carts Required to Follow the Same Rules as a Car?
A golf cart on Anna Maria Island is not a novelty. It is part of the way people get around here.
It is also a low-speed vehicle (LSV), which means it follows the same rules as any car on the road. That includes seat belts and child safety seats.
Once you see it that way, things get simple. If you would not do it in a car, you do not do it in a golf cart.
Most families settle into that pretty quickly. It stops feeling like a rental and starts feeling like just another way to move through the island. Part of what makes that transition easy is why every cart is kept low, slow, and simple — design choices that matter especially when children are on board.
“Every question that a customer can have can be answered by one simple answer: Can you do it in your vehicle? If you can do it in your vehicle, you can do it in a golf cart. It’s a street-legal vehicle. Every rule that applies for a motor vehicle applies for a golf cart. And it’s that serious. The police are very serious about the safety and the seat belts. Even though they’re fun-looking golf carts.” – Duane Gartman, Owner, Fun And More Rentals
What Are the Golf Cart Child Safety-Seat Rules on AMI?
Florida law is clear, and it is enforced on the island. The same rules apply to a street-legal golf cart as they do to a car.
Here is what that means in simple terms:
- Children under five must be in a five-point harness car seat
- Children five and older need a booster seat until they meet height and weight requirements
- Every passenger must wear a seat belt
The law that covers this is Florida Statute 316.613. It applies to all vehicles, including LSVs. There is no gray area here and no exceptions for short drives or slow speeds.
Does Fun And More Rentals Include a Car Seat?
Yes. One car seat comes with every golf cart rental at no extra charge. If you need a second, you can add it when you book.
How you handle it often depends on how you arrive. If you are driving down, you may already have your own seat and can use it in the cart. When flying is part of the plan, you will need one for your rental car anyway, so having one included makes things easier.
The difference between a smooth arrival and a scrambled one usually comes down to a few small choices made before the trip. A car seat sorted out is one of them. A confirmed golf cart reservation is another.
If you want to know how it all shows up, the delivery and pickup process is simple. The cart comes to you.
The Safety Briefing Matters More Than You Might Think
The most important part of the golf cart rental experience on Anna Maria Island is not the cart. It is the handoff.
Fun And More Rentals puts a knowledgeable team member face-to-face with every family at the moment of delivery. Not every rental operation on the island works this way. Parents leave that conversation knowing exactly what the rules are, how the cart operates, and what to do if a question comes up during the week. Kids are safer for it.
“We personally meet every single person that we rent a golf cart to, and we physically give them the key, eye to eye, mano a mano, tell them the rules of the road and how the golf cart works. There’s no chance for safety miscommunications watching a video or all that kind of stuff.” – Duane Gartman, Owner, Fun And More Rentals
The golf cart safety briefing is not a formality. It is the part of the rental that actually makes the week work.
How Should Families Prepare Before They Arrive?
A few straightforward steps make the difference between a relaxed first afternoon and a stressful one.
- Book Early: Peak weeks on AMI fill fast. A confirmed reservation means the cart and car seat are ready before you cross the bridge.
- Ages and Sizes: If you have children under five, decide before you pack whether you will bring your own seat or use the included one. If you need two, add the rental at booking.
- Your Driving Situation: Families flying in need to arrange a car seat for both the rental car and the golf cart. Families driving often bring their own and just need to confirm the logistics in advance.
Let the team answer your questions at delivery. Any question about what is or is not allowed on a street-legal golf cart has a clear answer. The Fun And More team walks through every detail at handoff.
For a full look at local rules across the island, the Anna Maria Island golf cart laws guide is worth a read before you arrive.
FAQs About Safety Rules and Golf Carts
Are golf carts street-legal on Anna Maria Island?
Yes. They are classified as low-speed vehicles and are subject to the same traffic laws as cars.
Do children need car seats in a golf cart on AMI?
Yes. Children under five need a car seat. Older children need a booster until they meet size requirements.
Are car seats included with golf cart rentals?
Often, yes. Fun and More Rentals includes one free seat with a golf cart rental.
What happens if you don’t use a proper car seat?
You can be cited. The same laws and penalties apply as in a regular vehicle.
Do all passengers need to wear seat belts?
Yes. Seat belts are required for every passenger.
Can you bring your own car seat?
Yes. Many families bring their own or use one provided with the rental.
What should families know before renting a golf cart?
Treat it like a car. Follow all safety and child restraint laws.
How early should you book a golf cart for AMI?
Book ahead, especially for peak weeks. Availability fills quickly.
Get the Safety Details Sorted Before You Arrive
The families who enjoy Anna Maria Island the most are the ones who arrive ready. The cart is waiting, and the car seat is sorted. The only thing left to do is load up and head to the beach.
Contact Fun And More Rentals to confirm your booking and get your car seat situation handled before arrival day. Keep it safe. Keep it easy. Enjoy the slower pace.
Duane Gartman is the founder of Fun And More Rentals. He built the largest vacation equipment rental operation on Anna Maria Island from the ground up, starting with two bicycles nearly 20 years ago. Fun And More Rentals offers a Best Price Guarantee and free delivery and pickup to rental properties across AMI.
