Talk to the park rangers. Warning though, one ranger has a different opinion than the other and it depends on who is on duty at the time, but here is the text...
I've attached the Fl State Park MD rules below. Generally, MD is allowed on the beach between the high water mark and the toe of the dune. It states in part:
Use of metal detectors, magnetometers or other metal detecting devices is prohibited on all state park lands, including sovereign submerged lands under lease by state parks, except for the following:
Coastal parks, in a zone between the waterline and toe of the dune, as determined by the Park Manager, except at archaeological sites within the zone designated by DHR or the Park Manager.
If the Park Manager at a coastal park wants to further restrict the use of metal detectors and prohibit their use in the zone between the waterline and toe of the dune, he/she can do that under authority provided in 62D-2. If the Park Manger intends to do this he/she must post notice to park visitors.
Here is the long version.
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The Division does allow metal detecting in certain cases. There are only three instances when metal detectors can be used in state parks. The park staff should ascertain the purpose of the use to determine the appropriateness of the activity and the procedures to be used.
I.) Use of a Metal Detector to find a lost personal item
Operations Manual (OM) Chapter 4 - General Administration
Revised 10/18/06
Metal detectors may be used to recover personal items that are specifically identified by their owner as being lost in a specific area of a park. The owner of lost property or his representative should contact the park manager who will arrange a time for the search to be conducted in the presence of a park staff member. During these searches, only the item sought may be kept by the owner or his representative.
2.) Use of a metal detector for recreational purposes
Operations Manual (OM) Chapter 11 - Cultural Resource Management
Revised 6/13/05
Use of metal detectors, magnetometers or other metal detecting devices is prohibited on all state park lands, including sovereign submerged lands under lease by state parks, except for the following:
Coastal parks, in a zone between the waterline and toe of the dune, as determined by the Park Manager, except at archaeological sites within the zone designated by DHR or the Park Manager.
Any dug hole associated with the use of a metal detector must be refilled to the contour of pre-dig conditions using the excavated material.
This exception is for coastal parks, in a zone between the mean high water line (usually the upper limit of the wet sand area) and toe of the dune, as determined by the Park Manager, except at archaeological sites within the zone designated by DHR or the Park Manager. This was done to allow this recreational activity in an area that the Division felt was appropriate and safe. The zone between the waterline and toe of the dune is sand which is routinely dug by children and others building sand castles and other beach activities; the zone is also very dynamic and recovers quickly.
If the Park Manager at a coastal park wants to further restrict the use of metal detectors and prohibit their use in the zone between the waterline and toe of the dune, he/she can do that under authority provided in 62D-2. If the Park Manger intends to do this he/she must post notice to park visitors.
Florida Administrative Code Chapter 62D-2 Operation of Division Recreation Areas and Facilities
62D-2.014 Activities and Recreation
(16) Hours.
The Division, in furtherance of the park management practices as stated in Sections 258.004, 258.007, 258.017 and 258.037, Florida Statutes, may close any park or section thereof to the public at any time and for any interval of time, either temporarily or at regular stated intervals and either entirely or only for certain uses. Park closures will be used to provide visitor and employee safety, resource protection, operational efficiency, and facility maintenance. No person shall remain in any closed park or section thereof, unless authorized by the Division or park manager, or their delegee. Verbal authorization shall be granted by the Division, the park manager, or their delegee, when it is in the best interest of the park, or of the person remaining in the closed area, for safety, protection, construction, or restoration purposes.
3.) Use of Metal Detectors for Archaeological Research
Operations Manual (OM) Chapter 11 - Cultural Resource Management
Revised 6/13/05
Use of metal detectors, magnetometers or other metal detecting devices is prohibited on all state park lands, including sovereign submerged lands under lease by state parks, except for the following:
Archaeological research projects authorized by DHR
Any excavations within designated archaeological sites require permits from DHR and Bureau of Natural and Cultural Resources. Objects found or recovered under the terms of a permit issued by DHR are property of the State of Florida, with title vested by statute in DHR. Such objects are normally curated by DHR and can be made available by loan to the Division upon request.
