Essential Beach Use Rules Now Under Review in St Pete Beach

St Pete Beach is a stunning destination known for its wide, white sandy shores and clear waters. Visitors relax, swim, and enjoy the sunny expanse. To keep this

paradise safe and enjoyable for everyone, there are important beach use ordinances now being reviewed by the city commission. Smart guidelines help protect the environment, ensure safety, and maintain the beach’s beauty for future visitors.

Use the Beach Responsibly

St Pete Beach offers many amenities to make your visit comfortable. Using these facilities responsibly ensures they remain available and clean.

• Never set up tents within 50 feet of the water: The beach within 50 feet of the water is for walkers and also serves as a safety corridor for emergency rescue vehicles. That’s about 14 large steps away from the water. This area can be used for towels, chairs, or umbrellas quickly relocated for an emergency vehicle if need be.

• Respect private property: It’s the last thing we think about while relaxing on the beach is trespassing. How can we keep it that way? Realize that beach front homes, condos, and hotels may be deeded all or part of the beach. While a public corridor along the water is guaranteed under Florida law, responsible use dictates mindful, respectful action. For example, don’t set up your personal cabana to block the view of a hotel guest. Don’t play your music too loudly. The public beaches in our city are Upham Beach, The County Beach, and Pass-a-grille Beach.

• Park in designated areas — Key point: Realize that our three designated public beaches always have public parking. If you access the beach through a small dune crossing between private property such as condos and hotels, the nearby beach may be deeded property, and your most respectful behavior will be required in these locations. These small access points were intended for residents walking from neighborhoods across Gulf Blvd. (If your drove to the beach and are accessing the beach via a small public access point, be especially vigilant of parking signs! Towing and ticketing is non-stop!)

• Use designated restrooms and showers: Avoid using the ocean or sand for personal hygiene. The many condo and hotel windows mean that you will be videoed and you will be reported to the sherrif! This is a reason we have public beaches with public restrooms.

• Trash bins are located near each public access point: Use trash bins to prevent pollution.

• Be considerate and respectful: Whether you are on one of our three public beaches or not, always treat others the way you would like to be treated. Relaxation at the beach requires collaboration and respect for different tastes and private property owners.

• Avoid disturbing wildlife: Sea turtles and black skimmers call this beach home. Keep a safe distance and never feed or touch them. Property owners must follow the city rules designed to balance commercial, public, and wildlife beach usage.

• Stay off dunes and vegetation: Sand dunes protect the beach from erosion. Walking on them damages plants and destabilizes the sand.

• Do not litter: Always restore your beach area as you leave for the next user.

• Parking: Parking zones are carefully designed and monitored. Every weekend, 100’s of vehicles are towed or ticketed. Look for and find the signage anywhere you consider parking. St Pete Beach is a very small town, and every place you might think to park has been scrutinized a thousand times and is zoned according to the typed of beach (public vs private) space nearby and also the proximity to restrooms. It bears stating: Publix/Dolphin village is the number one towing place. Your vehicle will likely be towed within 30 seconds of crossing Gulf Blvd after parking.

  
  

By following these simple steps, you help maintain the character and reputation of St Pete Beach.

Follow Safety Guidelines

Safety is a top priority on St Pete Beach. The beach visitors must take responsibility for their own safety.

• Swim at your own risk: Lifeguards are typically not present. Rescue often depends upon fire department personel.

• Remember to shuffle your feet: Although uncommon on the beach, we do have sting rays and sharp shells.

• Avoid swimming alone: Always swim with a buddy to reduce risk.

• Watch for rip currents: If caught in a rip current, remain calm and swim parallel to the shore until free, then swim back to the beach.

• Keep an eye on children: Young kids should never be left unattended near the water.

  
  

These rules help prevent accidents and ensure everyone enjoys the water safely.

Follow Local Regulations

St Pete Beach has specific rules designed to keep the beach orderly and enjoyable for all visitors.

• No alcohol on the beach: Drinking alcohol is prohibited to maintain a family-friendly environment.

• No glass containers: Broken glass can cause injuries. Use plastic or metal containers instead.

• Pets are not allowed: Dogs are not allowed on the beach.

• No fires or fireworks: Open flames and fireworks are by permit only.

• Respect quiet hours: Noise should be kept to a minimum, especially early morning and late evening.

• Hotel Owners: Stack your chairs before sunset and remove all signs from the sandy beach (upcoming beach ordinance proposes only temporary signage and always at least 50 feet from the water).

  
  

Following these regulations helps maintain a safe and pleasant atmosphere.

Private Property on St Pete Beach

Practicing the Golden Rule maintains the character of St Pete Beach.