17 Best Beaches in Florida to Metal Detect

Ever dreamt of unearthing buried treasure in Florida’s sands? Which beaches hold history’s secrets? Dive in to discover!

Best beaches in florida to metal detect

Even when I was a kid, I loved the beaches so much. Every summer vacation, we traveled to Florida. It has the most beautiful beaches and very pleasant weather.

Ever since I started metal detecting, I have been searching for places in Florida to detect metals.

And so far I have found that the beaches there are the best treasure troves to go for. 

So here are the Best beaches in Florida to metal detect,

  1. Vero beach 
  2. Pepper Park beach
  3. Siesta Key
  4. Wabasso beach
  5. Seagrape Trail beach
  6. Melbourne beach
  7. Aquarina beach
  8. La Playa beach
  9. Sebastian Inlet
  10. Lori Wilson park
  11. South beach
  12. Clearwater beach
  13. Venice beach
  14. Panama city beach 
  15. Emerald coast 
  16. Jacksonville 
  17. Ambersand beach 

But that’s just the tip of the iceberg!

There’s a lot that is needed to know before anyone moves to Florida for metal detecting. 

I’ll explore each beach in Florida that is suitable for metal detecting, detailing the necessary permissions and highlighting the potential treasures you might discover.

Furthermore, I’ll answer some frequently asked questions as well.

Let’s jump in!

Items found when metal detecting on Florida beaches
Items found when metal detecting on Florida beaches

Is Metal Detecting Legal In Florida Beaches? 

Generally speaking, it is legally allowed to do metal detecting in Florida. But it always comes with some restrictions. 

Some areas require pre-permission before detection. Other places require a permit to perform metal detection. 

First of all, let’s go through some general laws and practices in Florida regarding metal detecting.

All metal detecting activities are governed by the state laws of antiquities and by the federal law ARPA (Archeological Resources Protection Act of 1979). 

In general, the hobby is allowed on most of the public beaches. Some areas will require a permit. But do not go into private properties without any permission. 

You can keep things that you find at these beaches. 

But if anything is considered as an artifact that is historically valuable or anything that is older than 50 years should be left in the place and reported to the division of historical resources. 

When it comes to beaches, there are a few rules for beaches in each location that should be followed. I will explain everything to you here.

Things you should consider when metal detecting on beach
Things you should consider when metal detecting on beach

In order to understand everything easily and know the rules of each part separately, I’ll be discussing the beaches of Northern Florida, Central Florida, and Southern Florida separately.

Northern Florida 

Emerald Coast

Emerald Coast Beach belongs to Okaloosa County and metal detecting is permitted for all the public beaches. 

There is no need for permits either. It is required to stay off from the dunes. And it is extremely prohibited to get into the water.

Emerald Coast Florida
Emerald Coast Florida

Panama City Beach

In Panama City Beach, You are allowed to take a metal detector to the beach and do metal detecting. 

But bringing metal shovels to the beach is not permitted. There is no need to get permits in order to detect.

And if you’re digging holes, they should not be bigger than two feet. 

Panama City Beach Florida
Panama City Beach Florida

Jacksonville 

Metal detecting is allowed in Jacksonville on all the public beaches. And there is no need to get permission or inform any authorities. 

However, metal detection is only technically permitted. This means that you cannot remove any item by disturbing the ground. 

So if something lies under the ground, you can only detect and determine that something is there. 

Jacksonville Beach Florida
Jacksonville Beach Florida

Pensacola

Metal detectors are permitted on the Pensacola beaches. But make sure that you don’t head towards national parks as detection is prohibited there. 

No permits are required.

Pensacola Beach Florida
Pensacola Beach Florida

South Walton

Metal detecting is permitted on all public beaches in South Walton without needing a permit. 

South Walton Beach Florida
South Walton Beach Florida

Beaches around Tallahassee

Metal detecting is prohibited in all the county parks in Tallahassee.

The other areas including public beaches are permitted for technical metal detecting. 

This means that you cannot dig and disturb the ground.

Tallahassee Beach Florida
Tallahassee Beach Florida

Amelia Island Beaches

There are around 40 public beaches around Amelia Island. Metal detecting is permitted on all these public beaches.

Amelia Island Beach Florida
Amelia Island Beach Florida

Ponte Vedra Beach (including the beaches around St. Augustine) 

Metal detecting is allowed on all public beaches except for Anastasia State Park, Fort Matanzas National Park, and Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuary. 

Beaches in Flagler County 

No restrictions in using metal detectors on public beaches in Flagler County except for the nesting season of turtles.

 And if some areas are permitted during this time, the holes should be secured and filled after detecting metals.

Marineland Beach in Marineland, Flagler County, Florida
Marineland Beach in Marineland, Flagler County, Florida

Central Florida

Clearwater Beach (including the beaches around St. Petersburg) 

Pinellas County is prohibited from using metal detectors except on the beaches. 

However, a metal detector can be used in the public areas of Clearwater beach. 

Clearwater Beach Florida
Clearwater Beach Florida

All the Beaches in Citrus County 

Metal detecting is permitted without having to get any permit.

But make sure that you fill-up the holes and restore them before leaving.

Fort Island Beach Citrus County Florida
Fort Island Beach Citrus County Florida

Daytona Beach, Hampton Beach (including all beaches in Ocala and Marion counties) 

Metal detection in all beaches of Ocala and Marion counties is permitted. But it requires a permit.

From this link, you can apply for a permit. 

And make sure to read and follow the mentioned rules and regulations. 

Beaches around Orlando

Orlando belongs to Orange County. Metal detection here is allowed with a permit. 

And in case you are able to find anything, it should be reported to the park staff. 

The staff will confiscate if your finding is historically valuable, lost, or stolen. 

The application for a permit can be found at this link. There are a set of conditions mentioned for your perusal as well. 

Melbourne Beach, Cape Canaveral Beach (including all beaches around Brevard County)

Brevard County permits detecting on public beaches without a permit. 

But some of the parks now have prohibited metal detecting. 

Make sure you inquire from staff and authorities around before detecting.

Melbourne Beach Florida
Melbourne Beach Florida

New Smyrna Beach

Metal detecting is permitted on the beach but not inside the county parks. 

New Smyrna Beach Florida
New Smyrna Beach Florida

Beaches around Martin County

Metal detecting on beaches around Martin County is permitted without a permit. 

But it is prohibited to remove any natural element. And if you dig holes, it is always required to fill and restore them. 

Martin County Beach Florida
Martin County Beach Florida

Vero Beach, Wabasso Beach (including beaches around Indian River County)

Metal detecting is permitted on all public beaches. However, excavation and removal of natural elements are prohibited. 

Only a small scoop or hand trowel can be used to dig the sand. 

The holes should be filled in and restored after metal detecting. Visitors are not allowed in dunes and disturbing turtle nests is strictly prohibited. 

Vero Beach Florida
Vero Beach Florida

South Florida

Beaches around Manatee County 

Manatee County including Anna Maria Island has prohibited metal detecting at preserves and parks. 

Digging and removing objects from the beaches is prohibited by the law. 

However, the authorities of parks and recreation have mentioned that they allow metal detecting on beaches as long as the detectors have acceptable and good manners and behaviors. 

Fort Myers Beach (including beaches around Lee County)

Metal detecting is permitted without having to obtain permits.

Fort Myers Beach Florida
Fort Myers Beach Florida

Beaches around Collier County 

Metal detecting is allowed in all the beach parks. 

You will have to follow good etiquette as the area belongs to the Everglades National Park. 

Inside the park, no metal detectors are permitted, and detecting is prohibited.

Charlotte Harbor, the Gulf Islands, and Englewood

Beaches and beach parks around these areas allow metal detecting. 

Venice Beach (including the beaches around Sarasota County)

Metal detecting is permitted on Venice Beach and other beaches around the county. 

But disturbing harmfully and removing objects from the waters, buildings and structures, park property, and any other structures is strictly prohibited. 

Venice Beach Florida
Venice Beach Florida

Lauderdale Beach (including beaches around Broward County)

Metal detecting by default is not permitted as digging holes on the beach is not allowed.

Lauderdale Beach Florida
Lauderdale Beach Florida

Beaches around Monroe County 

Metal detecting here is permitted. No permit is required.

Monroe County Beach Florida
Monroe County Beach Florida

Beaches in Greater Miami

Metal detection is strictly prohibited.

Greater Miami Beach Florida
Greater Miami Beach Florida

Palm Beach (including beaches around the Palm Beach County)

Metal detection is permitted on the beaches. 

But the areas should be left as it was. There shouldn’t be any holes or disturbances. 

Palm Beach Florida
Palm Beach Florida

Can A Metal Detector Be Used On The Florida Beaches?

On public beaches, yes most of the time. Many of the public beaches do allow bringing a metal detector and using it. 

But there are some restrictions such as staying away from the dunes and refraining from detecting in the waters.

Best Beaches In Florida to Metal Detect 

Since you already know the list of the best beaches in Florida that are best to detect metals as well as the rules and regulations, let’s look into a little more about each one of the beaches.

1. Vero Beach

Vero Beach is the closest location to the shipwreck that happened back in 1715 by the Treasure Fleet. 

This place therefore has become one of the famous spots among the detectorists as well as the tourists. 

The precious artifacts and coins occasionally wash up along the beach as it is right next to the wreckage. 

So there’s a lot more probability of finding silver and gold coins and other valuable items.

Read to know the Best Places to Metal Detect in Florida!

Vero Beach Florida for metal detecting
Vero Beach Florida for metal detecting

2. Pepper Park Beach

At this location, a Spanish shipwreck known as Urca de Lima was discovered in 1928. Then in 1932, permission to detect the shipwreck was granted. 

Treasure hunting was not that successful back then. But by time, detectors were able to recover precious artifacts. 

The location is even now open for detection. But it is not allowed to get into the waters.

3. Siesta Key

This is another popular destination to detect and hunt for treasures. 

There’s a myth that pirates have their treasures hidden to keep it away from Spanish Galleons and British Frigates. 

The location is popular for its white, powdery sand and the calm waves. Detectors claimed to have found small coins and jewelry in the area.

Siesta Key Beach Florida for metal detecting
Siesta Key Beach Florida for metal detecting

4. Wabasso Beach

This is another hotspot among the metal detectors for detecting. 

Apart from the shipwreck that happened near the Vero beach which is close to this place, valuable artifacts from San Martin, a ship that sank back in 1715 claimed to be found here. 

Most of the detectors visit this place after the storms. 

The treasures will be often found at this time. 

There are records from several detectors and beachcombers saying that they have found so many coins in the area. 

The coins were estimated to have a worth of 5000$-6000$.

5. Seagrape Trail Beach

This is another paradise for the treasure hunters. This is the north end of where the 1715 shipwreck took place. 

Many of the coins from the sunken ship were recovered from here.

The wreck is distributed from the Seagrape Trail beach to the Turtle Trail beach. Some treasures like rare gold rings, and gold and silver coins have been found. 

It is open at any time for the public.

Seagrape Trail Beach Florida
Seagrape Trail Beach Florida

6. Melbourne Beach 

This beach gives a lot of opportunities to find peso de Ocho coins or jewelry from the wreckage that is centuries old. 

The shore is the hotspot of finding treasure and if you are a beginner, start from here.

There’s private land around as well so keep in mind that detection is prohibited in that area. Beware of the boundary lines of these properties while detecting. 

Melbourne Beach Florida for metal detecting
Melbourne Beach Florida for metal detecting

7. Aquarina Beach

There are records from detectors claiming that they have found silver coins from 1715.

The beach is near to the Melbourne beach and it’s also a beautiful place.

8. La Playa Beach

A ring with 56 diamonds and 16 emeralds was claimed to be found at this location by a popular detectorist called Steve Styles. The worth of this jewelry is around 12000$.

Even though some other detectors have recorded finding treasures and valuable items at the location, the place is still open for free treasure hunting.

9. Sebastian Inlet

As this place is located in the middle of the Treasure Coast, it is known to be the best spot to detect treasures in Florida. 

A treasure that is worth 3000,000$ was found in 1980 in this area.

From then, metal detectors come here continuously hoping to find something precious. 

Try searching along the tide line as it is so far known to be the best spot. 

Sebastian Inlet Florida for metal detecting
Sebastian Inlet Florida for metal detecting

10. Lori Wilson Park

This park which is located at Cocoa Beach is not very popular as a destination for metal detecting. 

But the ones who are detecting this place have said that they were able to find some precious metal artifacts.

This is quite a busy park with a lot of people coming and going. So it’s a good spot to find some of the oldest objects. 

There’s also a facility for renting a metal detector at the location in case you don’t have one.

11. South Beach

If you’re selecting this location, you’re about to find treasures that belong to 1715 as well as the 1800’s. 

This is because there is a shipwreck at this place suspected of a British pirate ship while raiding the shipwreck from 1715. 

It’s popular among metal detectors and beachcombers. 

12. Clearwater Beach

Clearwater Beach is another spot for detecting metals. It has white sand and clear water. It is so beautiful and mesmerizing. 

Detectors can find different items ranging from coins to artifacts. Low tide is the best time to visit the location for metal detection. 

Clearwater Beach Florida for metal detecting
Clearwater Beach Florida for metal detecting

13. Venice Beach

This is another popular destination among the metal detectors. 

The beach is located in south Sarasota County and is well known for its black sand. 

Detectors are able to find jewelry, coins, and many other artifacts here. 

It is recommended to go during the low tide as it is the best time for detecting. 

Venice Beach Florida for metal detecting
Venice Beach Florida for metal detecting

14. Panama City Beach

The visitors can expect to find a variety of metal items including coins and jewelry from Panama City Beach. 

The white sand makes it easier to dig into these objects and retrieve them safely.

Panama City Beach Florida for metal detecting
Panama City Beach Florida for metal detecting

15. Emerald Coast

Emerald Coast is a stretch of coastline located in the northwestern part of Florida. 

Metal detecting is one of the most popular activities here as it gives many opportunities to find precious objects that are historical and modern.

Emerald Coast Florida for metal detecting
Emerald Coast Florida for metal detecting

16. Jacksonville 

Metal detecting is allowed on all the beaches that are located in Jacksonville. 

There’s a total of 22 miles of beaches here. 

There are so many old coins around the area and sometimes you can even find other objects.

Jacksonville Beach Florida for metal detecting
Jacksonville Beach Florida for metal detecting

17. Ambersand Beach

Ambersand Beach is located very close to the Sebastian inlet. 

History tells us that the shipwreck of Nuestra Senora de la Regla, a ship that sank in 1715 due to the Spanish fleet can be found around here. 

Silver and gold coins can be found here very frequently and everyone is allowed to hunt along the shoreline and take the treasures home.

Tip for detecting metals on beaches
Tip for detecting metals on beaches

Tips For Successful Metal Detecting In Florida Beaches 

I’ve been to many beaches in Florida for metal detecting and I was able to find some great objects that are precious.

It is easy to detect something at these places if some tricks are followed. 

So here are some of the successful hints that can be used in metal detecting that I’ve learned over the years.

1. Imaginary Grids

Working methodically is one of the most successful ways to detect metals. 

By having an imaginary grid in the head and working on it slowly, more can be achieved. 

Parts by parts can be covered up by doing this.

This will help in finding even the smallest objects. It depends on how strong and accurate your detector is as well. 

However, working on an imaginary grid will surely bring out the most from space.

2. Tides

High tides usually make a soft sand line. Find it out and take your detector along it. This is where most of the objects that wash on the shore stop. 

So inspect the area carefully and use a small scoop to dig in if you get an unusual signal from the detector.

During the low tide, you will be able to cover up more of the ground with less debris to make the work easy.

3. Weather

Hitting the beach after a storm is so far a brilliant idea. The heaviest waves will stir everything up in the ocean and it will wash out everything onto the shoreline. 

Coins, small jewelry, and even larger objects could be detected after the storm.

4. Shell Deposits 

Watch out for areas that have a lot of shell deposits. 

This might be an indication of strong currents that sweep across the bottom and bring out objects onto the shore. 

5. Pinpointer

Always use the pinpointer to find out the locations of the objects more efficiently so there’s no need to dig several places to find a single object.

6. Shoes 

Wear good shoes that have a betting grip. Walking on the wet and soft sand will tend to slip you down. 

So be cautious and careful.

7. Know The Rules

Before you enter any location in Florida for metal detecting, make sure that you know all the rules. And obtain a permit if required. 

Talk to the authorities as the rules might change over time. 

Did you know fact about beaches in Florida
Did you know fact about beaches in Florida

Ethics Of Metal Detecting in Florida Beaches

Metal detecting comes with some ethics in order to keep the hobby on the positive line and save it for new detectors in the future. 

Here are some of the ethics that are practiced in Florida,

  • Respect the private property owners and do not detect without permission from them.
  • Do not destroy the properties or whatever the structures are left out. Do not harm any objects there.
  • Do not litter. Remove all the trash if you find any. If fire is needed, find a safe place to build it.
  • Leave every access to the place as you have found them first.
  • Do not damage nature wildlife or any property.
  • Abide by all rules and regulations while detecting.
  • Do not dig holes in a way that it damages anything. Close and restore holes when the work is done.
  • If your findings seem to be older than 50 years, report it to the relevant authorities. Do not remove it from the location. Leave it as it was and report it at once. Keeping the artifacts that are older may cause you problems later on.
  • If the property is private, let the owners know which times you come in and go out after finishing the work. This will be helpful for them in maintaining the safety of the location and preventing events that might occur without their knowledge. 

If you’re interested in sharpening your metal-detecting knowledge, better to join one of the Metal Detecting Clubs in Florida!

Here’s an excellent guide if you’re seeking forums through the internet for more info, Best Metal Detecting Forums in Florida!

That’s it, folks! Now you have a clear idea about the best beaches in Florida to metal detect and what techniques you need to follow when treasure hunting in each beach.

Tip for detecting metals on beache
Tip for detecting metals on beache

Florida boasts an impressive 1,350 miles of coastline, making it a haven for beachgoers and metal-detecting enthusiasts alike.

phenomenalflorida.com

So, let’s answer some frequently asked questions.

FAQs

Which Florida beach is historically famous for shipwrecks and their treasures?

Vero Beach is notably recognized for its proximity to the 1715 Treasure Fleet shipwreck, making it a prime location for finding artifacts and coins that wash ashore.

Are there any restrictions on metal detecting in the waters of Pepper Park Beach?

Yes, while Pepper Park Beach is open for metal detecting, individuals are not permitted to detect in the waters due to the historic Spanish shipwreck, Urca de Lima.

What can one typically find at Wabasso Beach after storms?

Post-storms, Wabasso Beach becomes a hotspot for detectorists, with many reporting discoveries of coins valued between $5,000 to $6,000, believed to be remnants from shipwrecks like San Martin.

For beginners in metal detecting, which Florida beach is recommended to start with?

Melbourne Beach is an ideal starting point for beginners, offering ample opportunities to find ancient coins and jewelry, but they must be cautious of nearby private lands where detecting is prohibited.

Why is Clearwater Beach recommended for metal detecting during low tide?

Clearwater Beach, celebrated for its pristine white sand and clear waters, is optimal for metal detecting during low tide, facilitating easier discoveries of coins and artifacts.

How can metal detectors enhance their success rate on Florida beaches?

Adopting strategies like using imaginary grids to methodically scan areas and focusing on locations with high shell deposits or sand lines formed by tides can significantly increase success rates.

What are the primary ethical considerations when metal detecting on Florida beaches?

Detectorists should respect private properties, avoid causing harm or littering, strictly adhere to all rules, restore dug-up areas, and promptly report findings older than 50 years to the relevant authorities.

Is Sebastian Inlet considered a top spot for treasure hunting in Florida?

Yes, positioned in the heart of the Treasure Coast, Sebastian Inlet is renowned for its treasure findings, with a notable discovery in 1980 valued at $3,000,000.

Did I cover all you wanted to know about: Best Beaches in Florida to Metal Detect

In this article, I’ve deeply discussed the best beaches in Florida to metal detect by taking the legal aspects of each beach and what permissions you need to have before discovering treasures in those areas.

The best beaches in Florida for metal detecting include Vero Beach, known for the 1715 Treasure Fleet shipwreck; Pepper Park Beach, site of the Urca de Lima shipwreck; Siesta Key, rumored for hidden pirate treasures; and Sebastian Inlet, a treasure-rich spot in the heart of the Treasure Coast.

Furthermore, I’ve answered some frequently asked questions as well.

Read to know Best Metal Detecting Finds in Florida!

Hope you’ve learned everything you wanted to know about the best beaches in Florida to metal detect with tips and tricks that I personally recommend.

It’s time to book your next trip to Florida for treasure hunting on beaches. Happy journey!

Hi! I’m the treasure hunter and adventurer behind DetectingTreasures.com. I'm here to share my knowledge, inspire your adventures, and provide practical guides to help you succeed in your own treasure hunting journey. Read More...

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