What beaches prohibit dogs

What beaches in Florida prohibit dogs from being on the beach?

Florida’s beaches fall under city or county rules, so dog policies vary widely. Many beaches in Florida do prohibit dogs entirely unless they are legitimate service animals—usually due to wildlife protection, sea turtle nesting, or local cleanliness rules. Below is a detailed overview of major areas in Florida where dogs are NOT allowed on the beach, along with notes on nearby alternatives and exceptions.

Statewide Rule to Remember: Service dogs are allowed in most public outdoor spaces, but individual beaches may still limit access in certain wildlife-protected zones. Emotional support animals are not considered service dogs.

Major Florida Beaches That Prohibit Dogs

• Miami Beach – Dogs are prohibited on the beach except at designated dog parks (like Bark Beach at North Shore Open Space Park). Walking a dog on the sand outside these areas can result in a fine.
• Clearwater Beach (Pinellas County) – No dogs on the sand at all. The city enforces this strictly. Nearby dog-friendly options exist but not on the main beach.
• Siesta Key Beach (Sarasota County) – The famous main beach does not allow dogs. Only sidewalks and villages areas allow leashed dogs.
• Destin (Okaloosa County) – Almost all Destin beaches prohibit dogs. Only residents with special permits may take dogs to the limited dog-friendly sections.
• Panama City Beach – Dogs are prohibited on most of the beach except for one designated dog-friendly stretch.
• Fort Lauderdale Beach – Dogs are prohibited except for designated dog beach hours (restricted evenings/weekends only in specific zones).
• Naples Municipal Beach – No dogs allowed on the beach. Enforcement is strict.
• Hollywood Beach – Dogs prohibited except in the designated dog beach during specific hours with paid access.
• Daytona Beach – Dogs are NOT allowed on the main driving beach. Only certain county parks allow dogs.
• New Smyrna Beach (Volusia County) – Dogs prohibited on most of the beach due to wildlife protection.
• Cocoa Beach – Dogs limited to two small designated dog-friendly segments; the rest of the beach prohibits dogs.
• Cape San Blas (Port St. Joe is dog-friendly) – BUT St. Joseph Peninsula State Park prohibits dogs on the beach to protect wildlife.
• Amelia Island (State Parks) – Fort Clinch State Park prohibits dogs on the beachside (allowed in campground areas only).
• Sanibel & Captiva Islands (Some areas) – Gulf-facing beaches within certain protected zones restrict dogs completely.