Beach Rules & Safe Driving

Be a positive part of St. Johns County Beaches

SJC beach visitors are able to enjoy a wide range of activities. While at the beach, please be considerate of the environment, the animals that live there, and other beach goers. It will help ensure the beaches are a joy both now and for years to come.

Prohibited Items / Activities

No loud music.
Music may not be heard more than 25 feet from its source.

Alcoholic beverages & glass containers prohibited.

Open fires prohibited.
Heated objects (coals, etc.) must be disposed of properly.

Fireworks prohibited.

Unleashed animals prohibited. Please clean up after your animals.
Owner must remove defecated material from beach.

No soliciting, canvassing, or commercial activities.

Motorized boats may not launch from the Atlantic Ocean Beach.

Rules that help Protect Natural Resources

Fill all holes left by sandcastle building, tire ruts, etc.

Do not leave anything on the beach overnight.
This includes tents, chairs, catamarans, trailers, and personal items.

Use designated walkovers to cross dunes.

Do not remove beach sand or vegetation.
No activities are allowed within the Conservation Zone, which is designated by brown signs.

Harassing animals is strictly prohibited.

Reduce beach front lighting by turning off or shielding lights, or drawing curtains.
Lanterns and flashlights are strictly prohibited during sea turtle season (May 1 – October 31).

Beach driving / parking hours are 8:00 am to 7:30 pm during sea turtle season (May 1 – October 31).

Safe Driving Practices on St. Johns County Beaches

  • Vehicle traffic must remain in the designated driving lanes as identified by cones
  • Parking is allowed on the west side of the driving lane between the cones and the conservation zone
  • Vehicles are allowed to drive 10 mph on the beach
  • Traffic is southbound only between A street Ramp and Fort Matanzas Ramp
  • All Vehicles are required to stop at all beach ramps and yield to all pedestrians
  • Soft Sand conditions may exist please read signs as they are updated with changing conditions

Beach Rules / Ordinances

To obtain a complete list of beach rules click on St. Johns County Beach Code 2007-19, or please contact Beach Services at (904) 209-0331.

Current Beach Conditions

Call the automated information line which is updated as conditions change 209-0331, then press 1.