KNOW THE RULES

THAT KEEP US SAFE

AND OUR

ENVIRONMENT

PROTECTED

 

 

Non-Emergencies

850-670-8500

 Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

for non-emergencies to have an Officer dispatched to the location.

 

Emergencies Only

call 911 for reckless driving, underage operation and

dangerous situations.

Try to obtain the cart and driver description and decal number whenever possible to help identify offenders

 

 

Recreational Sport Vehicles, Mobile Devices, Pets & Paths GUIDELINES FOR USE

 

summary (Updated June 2020)

This document is a summary of the St George Island Recreational Sport Vehicles & Devices Guidelines. This document focuses on the most common vehicle, golf carts, and certain devices and the locations they are permitted to operate. Other jurisdictions (including Eastpoint and Apalachicola) have different rules.  All recreational sport vehicle operators should be familiar with all the laws governing their vehicle.  Please refer to the SGI Guidelines for complete detailed information.

 

Recreational Vehicle Types

Golf Carts are permitted on certain roads of St George Island. They are not allowed on the recreational path, Gulf Beach Dr., or Franklin Blvd.  Golf carts may cross Gulf Beach Dr. at intersections and cross Franklin Blvd. at Pine Street only.

Low Speed Vehicles (LSVs) may look like golf carts but are equipped differently which allows them to be driven on any road on St. George Island.  LSVs display a license plate, have seat belts, lights and other required equipment.

Off Highway Vehicles (OHVs) are not allowed on any road on St. George Island.  These include ATVs, ROVs, and OHMs.

 

 

Allowed on the Path?

 

YES! Only the following may use the St. George Island recreational path:

  • Pedestrians on foot, flashlight recommended at night.
  • Manually Powered Devices, daylight only operation include roller skates, roller blades, skateboards, & stand up push scooters.
  • Battery Powered Devices, daylight only operation include E-stand up scooters, E-skateboards, E-hoverboard, Segway.  Designed to carry one person not to exceed 20 mph.
  • Bicycles (traditional and electric) can also operate at night with proper lights.
  • Wheelchairs or any Handicapped devices (EPAMDs)conventional and electric.
  • Emergency and authorized maintenance vehicles.
  • Pets on a leash.

 

NO! The following may NOT use the St. George Island recreational path:

  • Automobiles or trucks (except authorized maintenance or emergency vehicles).
  •  Recreational Sport Vehicles (golf carts, LSVs, UTVs, Mini trucks, OHVs (ATVs and ROVs).
  • Motorized Street Cycle Vehicles (motorcycles, motorized street or trail bikes, motorized mini-bikes, moped, motor scooters, etc.).
  • Go-carts.

 

Rules for all Recreational Path Users

  • No racing of any form, except for special events approved by the county.
  • No blocking public access, except for special events approved by the county.
  • Normal rules of the road apply to the paths. When approaching oncoming path users, each user shall move to his right side of the path, passing on the left side of the path. Pedestrians may walk on the left.
  • Pedestrians on foot should be given right of way by all other path users.
  • Audible warning is required when approaching pedestrians from behind.
  • Littering is prohibited, trash must be put in designated receptacles or held for disposal later.
  • Owners must clean up after pets.
  • Any pedestrian walking or jogging on the path at night should have a flashlight or headlamp for safety

 

Golf Cart Rules

  • Golf carts DO NOT have the right-of-way on roads, or in crosswalks.
  • No Golf carts are permitted on Recreational Path, Gulf Beach Dr. or Franklin Blvd.  They are allowed on all other SGI roads.
  • Golf carts may cross Gulf Beach Dr. at intersections and Franklin Boulevard at Pine Street only.
  • No one may sit in the driver’s lap while cart is in motion.
  • No standing or hanging on to cart while cart is in motion.
  • Golf carts driven only during the day require rear view mirror and red reflector, front & rear.
  • Golf carts driven at night must also be equipped with headlights, brake lights, turn signal and windshield.
  • All laws and ordinances relative to alcohol that apply to automobiles also apply to golf carts and will be strictly enforced.
  • If your home is located between cross roads on Golf Beach Dr. the proper procedure to access your driveway is to go to the nearest crossroad and if safe, use the grass or sandy part next to the road to gain access.  Gold carts are not allowed on pedestrian path.
  • Golf Carts are not allowed east of 11th street on the east end of the island.

 

Golf Carts may ONLY be driven by a person with a valid driver’s license.

 

Golf Cart Safety Reminders: Golf carts are not toys. Golf cart collisions with cyclists or pedestrians can be deadly. Golf carts DO NOT have the right-of-way on roads, or in crosswalks. Cart operators should always use caution. STOP before crossing roadways or driveways. YIELD to motor vehicles on roadway. SLOW DOWN when approaching path, curves, and intersections. And ALWAYS provide an audible warning when approaching pedestrians from behind to alert them to your presence

 

Pets on the Recreational Path

  • Pets must be ON LEASH on the St. George Island Recreational path.
  • Clean up after pets.
  • Pet owners can be held legally and civilly liable for any injuries caused by their pet.

 

Violations

  • Fines will be issued for cart owners or renters who allow underage drivers.
  • Fines will be issued for golf cart drivers on the recreational path, Gulf Beach Drive or Franklin Blvd.
  • All laws relative to alcohol and automobile driving apply to all recreational sport vehicles.
  • Persons with no driver’s license or convicted of a DUI are prohibited from operating a golf cart.
  • Violations on a golf cart can affect a teen’s ability to obtain a driver’s license.