Florida State Parks

[snorkel]

I've been told and heard several times that hunting in the water at Florida state parks is illegal.
But I can not find the law, or ordinance that actually puts this in writing.
Does anyone know what law or statute says water hunting in state parks is not allowed?
Where can it be found?

 

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[red83hd]

welcome to the forum!

 

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[FloridaSon]

“Metal detectors may be used at coastal parks between the waterline and toe of the dune, as determined by the Park Manager,

Snorkel Doesn’t this part (between the waterline and toe of dune) from above mean no water hunting?

 

[ARC]

It seems after poking around... since the surge of new metal detectorists...

and damage caused by those who are inexperienced in the detecting etiquette has caused some of the parks to take a different stance.

Seems complaints of damage top the list of causes.

 

[ARC]

A metal detector operator must respect public property in the course of metal detecting.
Public property cannot be harmed or defaced in any manner during a scan or retrieval of any discovered items.
Metal detecting organizations such as the Federation of Metal Detector and Archaeological Clubs also have ethical codes they require members to uphold.
This involves the refilling of holes made during retrieval attempts, the disposal of all discovered trash, and proper interaction with local authorities.

While discoveries made on a Florida beach can be considered under the general “finders-keepers” rule, anything within the water is subject to a different set of laws. Should a metal detector operator dive with his equipment, he must be cautious of the area he is in and of any discoveries made there. Objects that have been in Florida waters for more than 50 years are considered state property and illegal to retrieve by private operators. Also, waters adjacent to national parks are off limits to treasure hunters of any sort.

Consequences

Under Florida’s State Laws of Antiquities, the breaking of any applicable laws concerning the abuse of public land, trespassing on private property, or the illegal removal of state property is punishable by applicable fines, imprisonment, and the confiscation of all metal detecting tools and equipment.

 

[Flipperfla]

If they wanted to be real nasty they could probably take your boat also as “equipment”!