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 to 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

  • 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 Ordinances

For a complete list of beach rules, read the St. Johns County Beach Code 2007-19 Ordinance, or call Beach Services at (904) 209-0331.