Metal Detecting Laws in Florida

Can you metal detect on Florida beaches? Sometimes, but the answer depends on the exact beach and who manages it. Start with the public access point and the area you plan to search: dry sand, wet sand and submerged land may need different checks. Below are the state-park rule, the separate artifact protections, and local examples to help you ask the right office. Jump to Englewood Beach, Orange County and Orlando, or Marion County.

The rules, land by land

Even where detecting is allowed, archaeological and historic sites are protected, and you must fill every hole and follow posted rules. Always confirm the current rule with the land manager.

Florida state parks: no digging, and ask the park

Florida’s state-park rule on digging is strict: no one may “move, dig, harmfully disturb or remove” soil, sand or artifacts anywhere in a park (Fla. Admin. Code R. 62D-2.013(2)). The rule doesn’t mention detectors. The state’s archaeology agency says park beaches “will have specific rules governing metal detecting” and to consult the park manager. The linked captures do not establish a separate State Parks FAQ policy; consult the park about detector use, while observing the general digging prohibition. The no-dig rule means ordinary buried-target recovery is prohibited; advice to contact the manager does not itself establish an exception.

If you’ve lost something in a park, ask the manager how a search can be arranged; we haven’t confirmed the parks’ lost-property procedure.

What the state’s artifact law actually covers

Section 267.061(1)(b) addresses title to abandoned treasure trove, artifacts and objects of intrinsic or historical and archaeological value on state-owned land and state-owned sovereignty submerged land. The location and nature of the object matter.

Section 267.13 separately prohibits unauthorized archaeological activity on specified protected lands. Subsection (1)(a) covers conduct without excavation as a first-degree misdemeanor; (1)(b) covers excavation as a third-degree felony. This is not a blanket statement that every unpermitted detector sweep is a felony. If a find may be archaeological, leave it undisturbed and seek guidance from the land manager and Division of Historical Resources.

Englewood Beach at Chadwick Park: who to ask

Manager to contact: Charlotte County. Its official beach directory lists Englewood Beach at Chadwick Park on North Beach Road and gives 941-681-3742 for information. The directory describes facilities and access; it does not state a metal-detecting permission or permit rule. We therefore cannot label detecting there as approved from that page alone.

Before bringing equipment, ask the county: “May I use a recreational metal detector and hand scoop on the sand at Englewood Beach at Chadwick Park? Which parts are excluded, are there digging limits, and is written permission or a permit required?” Specify whether you mean dry sand, the waterline or in the water. Ask for the current rule or a written answer, and retain it with your trip notes.

Confirm that the answer covers the exact stretch you intend to use. Do not carry permission across a property boundary simply because the sand continues. Check the county’s current access notices before setting out. This local example was re-checked October 8, 2026; direct confirmation of its detector policy remains necessary.

Orange County and Orlando: two different approvals

County parks: obtain a permit for an eligible site. Orange County’s official application and conditions (PDF) describe a lifetime permit, limited to approved county sites. Send the completed form to parks@ocfl.net; questions go to 407-836-6200. Ask staff to identify the eligible park and usable area before visiting.

The county conditions limit searches to patron-use areas during park hours. Keep at least 1,000 feet from neighboring homes or commercial properties adjoining park boundaries. Avoid wetlands, sensitive or archaeological areas, historic sites, structures and construction areas; partnership properties may be excluded. Hand tools are permitted, holes must be no deeper than six inches, and each must be refilled immediately. Report every find to staff; lost, stolen or historical items may be retained.

City of Orlando parks have a separate rule. The city’s park rules require written authorization from the parks division manager or designee before detector use. An Orlando mailing address does not identify the park owner. Confirm whether the land is city or county property, and obtain the corresponding approval. Local-source review: October 8, 2026.

Marion County: a pass and an approved park list

A Metal Detecting Park Pass is required. Marion County’s official pass page lists a $10 charge plus tax and an administrative fee upon approval. Call Parks & Recreation at 352-671-8560 to arrange the application and confirm the current total. Display the pass while detecting and visit during normal operating hours.

Start with the county’s approved locations, which include Coehadjoe Park, Hampton Beach and Silver Springs Shores Park. Wrigley Fields appears on the list with its ball fields excluded. The rules prohibit detectors and digging tools at Horseshoe Lake Park & Retreat, Fort King National Historic Landmark, county sports fields and other restricted significant areas. A park pass is not blanket permission throughout the county.

Refill and compact recovery holes, avoid disturbing other visitors, and report archaeological or culturally significant finds to a ranger immediately rather than keeping them. Recheck the linked list and any site restrictions before departure. These county rules do not establish permission for separately managed City of Ocala parks. Local-source review: Marion County’s page as archived on April 18, 2026 (the live page blocks automated readers).

County beaches, underwater finds and federal land

The Division of Historical Resources FAQ says metal detecting on state land is “generally prohibited with few exceptions,” and that parks, preserves, sanctuaries and military properties have specific rules. It recommends consulting the manager. A public shoreline or low tide does not by itself give permission to detect or recover an object.

That agency also advises leaving underwater archaeological sites undisturbed and reporting discoveries. A recreational beach visit is not authorization to recover material from a wreck or riverbed.

The National Park Service policy index identifies the detector prohibition in 36 CFR 2.1(a)(7). Check the federal boundary as well as the beach name.

A permission check you can reuse

Write down the beach, access point, manager and proposed recovery tool. Ask separately about detector use, digging, retaining finds and water access. Request the applicable policy, any permit application and current closures. If the reply covers only walking or parking, ask for the detecting rule before proceeding.

Once you have permission, use the beach guide to plan equipment and a manageable search area. Keep a separate copy of any permission; a saved LuckyFind hunt does not establish legal access.

Find more, remember where

Download LuckyFind — free for iPhone and Android — to track your routes, log your finds, and keep your permitted spots organized.