Franklin County, FL Mobility & Curb Rules: Bike Lane Rules (2026)

Franklin County Code § 12-10 prohibits operating any motor vehicle or other powered vehicle on a designated bike path or nature trail located on county property or in a Franklin County right-of-way. The ban applies initially to the St. George Island bicycle path in the right-of-way of Gulf Beach Drive in the St. George Island Gulf Beach subdivisions, and the Board of County Commissioners may designate additional paths by resolution or ordinance. The section carves out two exceptions: law enforcement vehicles on official business, and motorized wheelchairs or other transport for a handicapped person carrying no more than two people.

The same section extends beyond motorized vehicles: no one may disturb, cut or dig native vegetation on a covered path, dump litter, trash or garbage there, or operate any bicycle, wheelchair or vehicle recklessly, carelessly, above a posted speed limit, or contrary to a posted traffic control sign. The Board of County Commissioners may adopt resolutions further controlling use of designated bike paths and nature trails. A violation, including violation of a board resolution governing these paths, is prosecuted as a misdemeanor punishable by up to 60 days in the county jail, a fine of up to $500, or both.

The ordinance dates to Ordinance No. 96-6, adopted May 7, 1996, and was codified at the editor's discretion because the original ordinance did not specifically amend the Code.