Golf Shores bans golf cart rental companies

GULF SHORES – Opening a rental business for golf carts, government-signed carts and slow-moving vehicles is no longer permitted.

At the August 12 City Council meeting, an ordinance banning rentals in Gulf Shores was passed. According to the ordinance, golf carts may not be rented or made available for temporary rental with the intent to operate them.

Private or privately owned golf carts or other slow-speed vehicles are still permitted on previously designated public roads. A previous ordinance provides a list of “designated golf cart roads” and can be found on the government page of the City of Gulf Shores’ official website.

“This will not impact any special events for which we require golf carts or LSVs. This is strictly for rental companies seeking to rent LSVs or golf carts in Gulf Shores,” said Layla Andrews, Revenue Supervisor.

The purpose of the ordinance is to prevent someone who does not regularly drive a golf cart or slow-moving vehicle in the city from unknowingly violating current golf cart regulations. According to the ordinance, this measure is for the safety of the driver, passengers, pedestrians and drivers of motor vehicles that may be on public roads.

A local resident asked if people in Gulf Shores are allowed to drive golf carts they rented in Orange Beach.

“This applies to anyone who wants to get a business license as a landlord in Gulf Shores, so they can come from Foley and we would not issue them a business license, or for Orange Beach and so on and so forth.”

All council members voted to amend the rental business license ordinance and prohibit the temporary rental of golf carts or slow-moving vehicles for the purpose of operating such vehicles.