Paying to Use Florida's Beaches
 

Not going to the beach much here in Florida, except to entertain visitors.

I'm not surprised by parking fees which I get considering the value of beach front property.

But why a charge to use a public beach in Florida?
Aren't beaches public land?
Is the charge used to clean-up after the public pigs?
Do condo associations and Retail businesses pay for the cleanup?

Just surprised I guess

Wait.What? They charge for beach access?

Florida Statue guarantees you access :(1) “Access” or “public access” as used in ss. 161.041, 161.052, and 161.053 means the public’s right to laterally traverse the sandy beaches of this state where such access exists on or after July 1, 1987, or where the public has established an accessway through private lands to lands seaward of the mean high tide or water line by prescription, prescriptive easement, or any other legal means, development or construction shall not interfere with such right of public access unless a comparable alternative accessway is provided.

Is it a State or County Park that is charging you? At Daytona and New Smyrna we have never been charged to walk onto the beach--only fees to park our car away from the beach. I understand having to pay to park on private property near the beach (market rate) and modest fees for state or county parks to pay for lifeguards, beach grooming and trash control.

Are they charging access for you to walk onto a public beach?

The country/state parks I have been to charge less than $4 entry.

What beach is charging you--I'll put in on my no-go list. Too many others do not charge.

The fees probably go to Police/Fire/EMS to patrol the beaches.

Most likely but who is charging this fee? If the beaches (by state law) are open to the public how are they collecting my money?

I am all in with you and I am totally okay with or paying a modest fee for beach cleaning and grooming and Safety Patrol. I am glad they are there to clean the beach and make sure my grandkids are safe.

The original post sounds like just an "entry fee"--and that sounds illegal.

Personally have never been charged to go on a public beach. Have paid to park in some places. Have paid to drive on and park on a beach. But never to walk onto and use a public beach.

Don’t even know how you can coordinate a walk in entrance admission fee. The amount of employees needed to facilitate.....in the midst of lifeguard shortages across the country. If true....a massive .....additional layer of bureaucracy. Can OP supply addtl info or link?

One beach charge I'm aware of is Volusia County for taking your vehicle on the beach. You can walk on for free.

Fort Island Gulf Beach has free access to the beach & free parking. Amenities include a concession stand, restrooms, and covered picnic tables. Anyway, I don't have a problem paying an entrance or parking fee at some state parks, beaches, etc. Somebody has to maintain these beaches & parks. The money has to come from somewhere & without these reasonable fees , the entire cost would fall to the taxpayers.

I’m curious. Where in Florida does a government charge a fee to walk onto a public beach?

Not St.Pete - Clearwater area.

You need to buy a “beach tag” to go to many beaches in New Jersey, the towns sell them.

The proceeds are used to pay for lifeguards, beach cleaning, beach grooming.
There are kids who patrol the beach every day asking for your beach tag (and don’t worry, the police are close buy if you obstruct them).

And Florida?

I went to Flagler Beach and they didn't charge. You park right alongside the road that runs alongside the beach. It's probably best to get there a little early though.

I would be OK with paying for parking as long as it was reasonable--like $4-5 bucks for all day--if it helped maintain the beaches. People spend that much on a cup of coffee without batting an eye.

I like Flagler Beach, not too crowded.

Where did you have to pay to walk into a beach?

I have live in the State of Florida for 20 years and have never ever paid to go to the beach. Parking yes. But beach access no. Driving your car on the beach will cost you a fee also. But walking?!?!?!