On a small island like Anna Maria Island, what’s the best way to get around? If you arrive by car, it may be tempting to continue using your vehicle to get around from point to point. However, with so few parking spaces and high traffic congestion near major attractions, this will soon prove frustrating. Walking from point to point is possible, though this may prove an unpopular decision after too much time spent exposed to the Florida heat.
The alternative is one you might not expect: golf carts! Just as they get golfers from one point to the next on a golf green, they can do the same thing around town.
Because speed limits are so low, golf carts are street legal and completely safe. They are more environmentally friendly than regular vehicles, as well as more comfortable to drive around in. With no windows, you’re free to enjoy the cool sea breeze while driving to your Anna Maria Island vacation rental!
History
In Florida, golf carts have been around for almost a century and have been a popular form of transportation for decades. Numerous electric and gasoline-powered versions were created from the 1930s to 1950s, and over the decades, they’ve been increasingly popular for general transportation use. Today, they’re a common sight across Anna Maria Island and a convenient way to get around!
Rules
If you can drive a car, you can drive a golf cart! They’re intuitive and easy to maneuver. Golf carts are also legal on every street on the island because speed limits are all under 35 miles per hour. You can reach 25 miles before needing to recharge, which is more than enough to get where you need to go on this small island!
To rent a golf cart, each company will have its own rules, but as a standard, drivers must be at least 22 years of age and have valid insurance and a driver’s license. They must sign a liability waiver as well as provide license information and proof of auto insurance. Those renting a lux cart should be aware of stricter requirements.
Where to Rent a Golf Cart
Beach Bums is the number one company we recommend! Their electric golf carts range from a 4 seater all the way to an 8 seater! They also offer lux cart rentals that ride like a jeep and have an onboard charger with Bluetooth music. At Beach Bums, you can rent a golf cart for an hour, a day, and even a week! The daily rate for the 4 passenger golf cart is $115 and the daily rate for the 6 passenger golf cart is $175.
AMI Beach Fun Rentals is another company we recommend. They are a family-owned rental business. Free delivery and pickup are available for the golf carts! They offer 4 and 6 passenger electric golf carts. The golf carts book far in advance so plan ahead!
Beach’n Rides & Rentals is another great option to find a golf cart rental. Learn more about their rates on their site. Rates include free delivery on Anna Maria Island.
Plan Your Next Adventure
Your time in Anna Maria Island will be filled with lifelong memories and many firsts; driving a gulf cart around town might just be one of them!
Our Anna Maria Island Vacation Rentals
If you choose to rent a golf cart, it can be delivered directly to your rental. We provide some of the best accommodations on the island, including Anna Maria Island waterfront rentals with direct access to the sun, sand, and water. Additional amenities may include boat/fishing docks, outdoor pool, and backyard BBQ – everything you need to make the most of your vacation.