AMELIA ISLAND BEACH ORDINANCES

Main Beach Park, Fernandina Beach on Amelia Island, Florida

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

NO GLASS ALLOWED ON THE BEACH. LITTERING IS PROHIBITED — Put trash in garbage cans and pick up after pets or risk getting a ticket (up to $500.)

PARKING AT THE BEACH IS FREE ON AMELIA ISLAND — 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 — 4 wheel drive vehicles can access the beach at Seaside Park, Peter’s Point and Amelia Island State Park on the southend of the island. However, all non-county residents are required to have a beach driving permit.  Permits are available downtown at the Nassau County historic courthouse in Fernandina Beach located on Centre Street and at Hall’s store on South Fletcher at Sadler Road (near Seaside Park).

PUBLIC RESTROOMS AT THE BEACH — Public restrooms are located at Main Beach Park (Atlantic and South Fletcher), Peter’s Point (South Fletcher toward southend of island), Burney Park at American Beach, and in April 2011 a new restroom was added to Seaside Park (near Sliders).

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 indicating 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 allowed on Nassau County’s Atlantic coast beaches, 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 but bring your own bags since they can run out.) Pet owners not following rules can be ticketed $500.

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.