Florida doesn’t mess around when it comes to driving under the influence—and that includes more than just your standard set of wheels. If you think hopping into a golf cart after a few drinks is a clever way to avoid a DUI, you’re going to want to rethink that plan. The state’s DUI laws don’t just apply to sedans or pickup trucks. They apply to any vehicle, and yes, golf carts definitely qualify.
Florida DUI Law Applies to More Than Just Cars
Under Florida Statute § 316.193, driving under the influence is defined very clearly: if you’re operating any vehicle while impaired by alcohol or controlled substances, you’re breaking the law. And Florida defines a vehicle as any device capable of transporting a person or property on public roads. So whether you’re behind the wheel of a shiny BMW or cruising around in a golf cart decked out with a cooler and beach chairs, it doesn’t matter. If you’re impaired, you’re legally toast.
The penalties? They’re not any lighter just because you’re driving something smaller. A first-time DUI conviction in Florida comes with a fine ranging from $500 to $1,000, up to six months in jail, license suspension, mandatory DUI classes, community service, and probation. If your blood alcohol concentration is especially high—or if someone gets hurt—the punishments ramp up fast, even for a golf cart offense.
Golf Carts, Scooters, and Horses: No Loopholes Here
The law doesn’t care about whether your ride has leather seats or cupholders. Non-traditional vehicles—scooters, e-bikes, ATVs, even horses—are all included under Florida’s broad DUI statute. The key thing is whether it can move a person from point A to B. If it rolls, trots, or scoots and you’re steering it drunk, it counts.
It might sound ridiculous at first. A DUI on a horse? Yes, that’s happened too. But golf carts are by far the most common of the bunch, especially in areas like The Villages or Key West, where they’re not just leisure vehicles—they’re practically commuter cars. In those places, golf carts are street-legal and widely used. That makes enforcement of DUI laws on them much more aggressive.
You can also receive a DUI on a bicycle.
DUI Incidents in The Villages: A Sobering Reality
Take The Villages, for example—a sprawling retirement community with over 90 miles of golf cart trails and tens of thousands of residents who use them as everyday transportation. It’s idyllic on the surface, but the number of DUI arrests involving golf carts is no joke.
In March 2025, a tragic case put this issue in the spotlight again. A 58-year-old man was arrested for DUI manslaughter after a 60-year-old woman riding in his golf cart fell out and later died. According to the Florida Highway Patrol, alcohol was involved. One moment it was just a casual evening ride; the next, a life was lost and charges were filed. And yes—this was a golf cart.
Key West: Island Vibes, Same Strict Laws
Now zoom down to Key West, a place known for its laid-back lifestyle, tourists, and, of course, its love for golf carts. On the island, these little vehicles are everywhere—from ferrying families to bars, to hauling luggage from one Airbnb to another. But don’t let the easygoing vibe fool you.
Just recently, a 20-year-old man got busted for allegedly driving a stolen golf cart while drunk—on US-1, no less. The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office reported that he was weaving through traffic on a cart that didn’t belong to him, clearly intoxicated, and probably thinking he was just having a bit of fun. What he got was a DUI arrest, a vehicle theft charge, and a front-row seat to the justice system.
Golf Carts Feel Harmless—Until They’re Not
There’s something about golf carts that makes people let their guard down. They feel safe. They feel slow. They’re open-air, easy to operate, and don’t scream danger. But that false sense of security is exactly why people get into trouble. The law doesn’t look at a golf cart and say, “Oh, well, that’s cute, we’ll let this one slide.” It sees a vehicle being operated under the influence—and it brings the hammer down.
Whether you’re in a sleepy retirement town or a buzzing beachside city, the rule is the same. DUI law in Florida doesn’t care about how big your engine is. It cares whether you’re impaired and on the road.
Bottom Line: If It Has Wheels, Don’t Drink and Drive It
The moral here? Just don’t drink and drive. Not even on a cart. Not even on vacation. And if you find yourself in trouble—because mistakes do happen—the best thing you can do is speak with a traffic attorney who understands the complexities of DUI law, especially when it involves non-traditional vehicles.
Do we have experience working cases involving golf cart DUIs? Absolutely! If you need assistance with any sort of DUI-realted matter, contact us immediately.
