BEACH LAWS, ORDINANCES

THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT AMELIA ISLAND BEACHES, INCLUDING LAWS, BEACH ORDINANCES (see also Amelia Island Living’s beach photos and details about public beach parks)

PARKING AT THE BEACH — The largest public beach accesses (with biggest parking lots) are located along South Fletcher Avenue at Main Beach Park, Seaside Park and Peter’s Point.

AMELIA ISLAND BEACH DRIVING — Vehicles can access the beach at Seaside Park and Peter’s Point. However, all non-county residents are required to have a driving permit.  Permits are available at The Downtown Fernandina Beach Courthouse located on Centre Street. 

PUBLIC RESTROOMS AT THE BEACH — Public restrooms are located at Main Beach Park (Atlantic and Fletcher) and Peter’s Point (South Fletcher toward southend of island).

BEWARE RIP CURRENTS — Upon entering the beach take note of the signs explaining the threat of rip currents. People drown every season in Florida by panicking when caught in a rip current. Life guards are on duty at Amelia Island’s main beach parks during the height of the summer tourist season. Note the flags flying at the life guard chairs which indicate ocean conditions (i.e. red flag, yellow flag, green flag, purple flag).

NO DRINKING BOOZE — Alcoholic beverages or glass bottles are not permitted on the beach. You will be ticketed.

STAY OFF THE DUNES– Please do not pick sea oats, walk, or drive on the dunes, this is a Florida State law.

DOGS ON THE BEACH — Pets are permitted but must be on a leash. Pet owners are responsible for immediate clean up. (Main Beach Park has a doggie trash bag dispenser near the public restrooms.)

BEACH BARBEQUES — No grills or open fires are allowed on the beach. (Note that Main Beach park and Peter‘s Point have BBQs near the picnic tables just off the beach).

SEA TURTLE SEASON: endangered sea turtles nest on Amelia Island. Leave nest eggs and baby turtle hatchlings undisturbed. If staying at a beach rental, turn off lights that shine on the beach from May 1st-Oct 31st.

HANDICAP BEACH ACCESS: Handicap accessible beach accesses are located at North Beach Park (off North Fletcher Avenue), Main Beach (Atlantic and South Fletcher) Seaside Park (Sadler Rd. and South Fletcher), and Peter’s Point (South Fletcher toward the Ritz-Carlton).  A beach accessible wheelchair is available by calling the City of Fernandina Beach Parks and Recreation Department at (904) 277-7350.