Can you metal detect in Florida state parks? Metal detecting is prohibited on all Florida state park lands except designated beach areas of coastal parks.
Key rules
- Allowed only in coastal parks, between the toe of the dune and the high-water line, in areas designated by the park manager.
- Detecting in submerged locations is not permitted.
- Objects over 50 years old may not be kept; title vests in the Florida Division of Historical Resources.
- Lost-item searches can be arranged with park staff and conducted in their presence.
- Call the park ahead to confirm designated areas and whether digging is allowed.
Federal land in Florida
National Park Service areas prohibit possessing or using metal detectors. National forests and BLM land generally allow low-impact detecting, but digging up or removing archaeological resources is illegal under ARPA. Federal rules →
Frequently asked
Can you metal detect in Florida state parks?
Metal detecting is prohibited on all Florida state park lands except designated beach areas of coastal parks.
Where do these Florida rules come from?
From the official sources listed on this page: Florida State Parks FAQ; Fla. Admin. Code 62D-2.013. Last checked 2026-10-16.
Can I metal detect on federal land in Florida?
Not in National Park Service areas. National forests and BLM land generally allow low-impact detecting, but archaeological resources are protected under ARPA.
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