Ron DeSantis goes to bat for Tiger Woods, MLB announcer calls out 'woke' team & Jena Sims in a 'Chili's' dress

Tiger Woods May Be Allowed to Drive Golf Cart During Probation, Florida Governor Says

Florida’s top law‑enforcement and sports figures have reached a consensus on whether the world‑champion golfer can drive a golf cart while serving a five‑year probation period, following a plea deal for a 2023 car crash that left him with a suspended license.

After the crash in May that injured a pedestrian, Woods pleaded guilty to misdemeanor charges. His license was suspended for five years as part of the plea agreement. The question that has surfaced is whether the suspension bars him from operating any motorized vehicle, including the non‑motorized golf carts that are common on golf courses.

Governor Ron De Santis answered the question directly. “Tiger will be allowed to drive a golf cart,” De Santis said in a statement released Wednesday. “Florida law allows anyone over the age of 18 to operate a golf cart without a license, and that applies to Mr. Woods while he is on probation.”

The governor’s comment comes after an email from Woods’ attorney, Thomas Bakkedahl, to the Associated Press. In the message, Bakkedahl confirmed that, under Florida statutes, a person who is at least 18 can drive a golf cart without a license. “The law does not prohibit a golf cart operator from a probationary period,” Bakkedahl wrote. “Mr. Woods is eligible to operate a golf cart on the course.”

Florida law—specifically Florida Statutes Chapter 416—does not require a driver’s license for the operation of a golf cart on private property or on a golf course. The statute explicitly states that “anyone who is at least eighteen years of age and is physically and mentally fit to operate a golf cart shall be permitted to do so, regardless of whether the driver holds a valid driver’s license.” The law does not address probationary restrictions, leaving the determination to the governor and the courts.

The issue gained national attention when it was highlighted in a daily column on OutKick.com called “Nightcaps.” The column, which runs Monday through Friday, covers a mix of sports, news and pop culture. In its latest edition, the column’s writer noted that the “nightcaps” had covered a wide range of topics, from the start of college football Week 1—including Colorado‑Georgia Tech matchups and a triple‑overtime win for the Colorado Buffaloes—to a mention of Mets broadcaster Keith Hernandez’s commentary on the Tampa Bay Rays. The column’s most recent segment, however, focused on Woods’s legal situation and the question of his ability to drive golf carts.

While the legal debate about golf cart usage continues, the governor’s statement indicates that, for now, Tiger Woods can keep his feet on the pedals of the golf cart on the course. Whether that decision will prompt changes in state or federal policy regarding probation and vehicle operation remains to be seen. For the time being, the golfer’s fans can look forward to him back on the green—golf cart and all.