NEWSCan Tiger Woods Still Drive a Golf Cart After Losing His License for 5 Years? Florida Officials Weigh In
Sept. 3 2026, Published 1:00 p.m. ET
Tiger Woods can still legally drive a golf cart in Florida despite receiving a five-year driver's license suspension following a March rollover crash.
The trouble-plagued 50-year-old lost his driver's license for five years after entering a no-contest plea to reckless driving charges in a Florida courtroom.
The initial confusion about his ability to drive a golf cart was quickly cleared up when state officials clarified that Florida law allows anyone over 18 to operate a golf cart on public or private property without a license.
Tiger Woods Is Allowed to Drive a Golf Cart
Ron DeSantis said the golfer 'should be able to drive a golf cart on the golf course.'
Florida state attorney Thomas Bakkedahl initially told reporters, “If I can send any message to Mr. Woods, it’s simply this: Of all the people in the world who should not get behind the wheel of a car, it’s the gentleman who is one of the most recognizable faces on the planet. Somebody will see it whether it’s in Georgia or Nevada, New York or where have you. He’s not to drive a car.”
Gov. Ron DeSantis weighed in on X, stating, "Tiger should be able to drive a golf cart on the golf course." He noted that people who lose their driver's licenses aren't typically barred from operating carts on golf courses.
Martin County Sheriff’s Office confirmed Woods "absolutely can drive a golf cart on a golf course." However, they noted that rules governing the operation of golf carts on county or public roads can vary by local jurisdiction.
Tiger Woods accepted a plea deal in his case after his DUI arrest in March.
While the golf course remains safe territory for the 15-time major champion, Judge Darren Steele issued a stern warning regarding actual automobiles. The judge made it clear that the driver's license suspension carries no exceptions. If Woods is caught driving a car for any reason during the five-year ban, he will face immediate jail time.
The ruling is particularly crucial for Woods' ongoing athletic prospects, as he is now eligible for the PGA Tour Champions, where using a golf cart is permitted during competition.
Woods has a legal history involving two major driving-under-the-influence (DUI) arrests in Florida, both tied to prescription medications rather than alcohol.
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Inside Tiger Woods' Legal Woes
The athlete has a history of legal trouble with driving.
On May 29, 2017, police found Woods asleep behind the wheel of his Mercedes-Benz, stopped in a traffic lane.
A breathalyzer test showed zero percent alcohol. The golfer stated he had an unexpected, strong reaction to a mix of prescribed pain and sleep medications.
Woods pleaded no contest to a reduced charge of reckless driving. He received one year of probation, 50 hours of community service and a $250 fine.
On March 27, 2026, Woods crashed his Land Rover after clipping a truck on Jupiter Island, Fla., causing the SUV to roll onto its side. He was uninjured and told officers he was distracted by his phone.
Details of the Plea Deal
The father-of-two's license has been suspended for five years.
Officers found hydrocodone pain pills in his pocket and noted signs of impairment during field sobriety tests, though his breathalyzer test was negative for alcohol, and he refused a urine test.
Prosecutors cited an erosion of evidence regarding direct proof of impairment. Woods struck a plea deal, changing his plea to no contest on a reduced charge of reckless driving.
The judge ordered a five-year driver's license suspension and a $1,500 fine, allowing the athlete to avoid jail time.
