All states

Metal detecting rules by state

46 verified from official sources. More added weekly.

Alabama: Manager permission requiredAlaska: Generally allowedArizona: ProhibitedArkansas: Director permission requiredCalifornia: Varies by parkColorado: Not yet verifiedConnecticut: Not yet verifiedDelaware: Ocean beaches onlyFlorida: Coastal beaches onlyGeorgia: ProhibitedHawaii: Beach sand onlyIdaho: Manager approvalIllinois: Listed parks, permitIndiana: Approved swim beaches onlyIowa: Designated beachesKansas: Not yet verifiedKentucky: ProhibitedLouisiana: ProhibitedMaine: Written permitMaryland: Swim beaches onlyMassachusetts: Sandy beachesMichigan: Designated areasMinnesota: Prohibited (lost items only)Mississippi: ProhibitedMissouri: Designated beaches, registrationMontana: Written permissionNebraska: Posted beaches onlyNevada: Supervisor permissionNew Hampshire: Beaches & developed areasNew Jersey: Permit requiredNew Mexico: Prohibited (limited exceptions)New York: Permit, designated areasNorth Carolina: Lost items only, by permitNorth Dakota: Prohibited (lost items only)Ohio: Beaches & mowed areasOklahoma: Prohibited without permitOregon: Listed areas; permit elsewherePennsylvania: Allowed with manager approvalRhode Island: Designated areasSouth Carolina: Manager permit onlySouth Dakota: Written authorization requiredTennessee: Lost items onlyTexas: Prohibited without permitUtah: Permit requiredVermont: Disturbed areas onlyVirginia: Man-made beaches, permitWashington: Designated areas, registrationWest Virginia: Not yet verifiedWisconsin: Lost items only, by permitWyoming: Superintendent permission
Generally allowedRestricted / permitProhibitedNot yet verified