Wanting to MD the right way in the right places

[newB Hunters]

We live in Jacksonville FL and I have read the HRNAF website with the city ordinance codes, can someone please, tell us in easy language what the rules and regulations are for Jacksonville and surrounding areas? We want to make sure that we are abiding by the law and want to have fun with out the worry of the coppers looking over our shoulders lol. We would also appreciate and and all places that would be a good starting point to look, I know of Jax beach we went there last weekend, but I was looking more for parks and places near orange park or mandarin area.

also what are the rule of any findings in the Jacksonville area?
Thanks for taking the time to read and reply Roll Eyes

 

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[JackInFlorida]

Hi newB Hunters,

I am not an attorney, so my advice is probably as accurate and definetely cheaper. You must take what people tell you about these things as advice anyway. Nobody knows for sure, not even the local police sometimes. Every site could have different rules.

Here is what I do, right or wrong:

1. Beaches are generally fine, plus you keep whatever you find. Beware that some areas have no after dark beach going. (Look for signs)
2. City Parks are generally fine, unless you see a sign that says no metal detecting, digging or removing of objects. (Call City Hall and ask if you can get a Metal Detecting Permit for City Parks, if they don't know what you are talking about, you are probably OK)
3. County Parks, see item 2.
4. State Parks in Florida, no MDing generally, but, some areas are actually up to the Park Ranger and/or District Ranger.
5. Cemeteries may actually be legal, but I feel it is disrespectful to MD there.
6. Locations marked as National Monuments, or Historical Sites are off limits.
7. If you pass one of the Historical Markers or Heritage Site Markers, like the one below to get where you are going, you may be asking for trouble.
8. If I know I am OK, I ignore people that just don't want me there, but, I don't argue, if they are getting steamed, it's easier to leave and come back later.
9. I have gotten into the habit of wearing my orange vest now. I keep my tools on my belt mostly, I have found that I get harassed less. People think you work for the park or the city.
10. The antiquity laws in Florida are that anything you find which is old belongs to the state. I have found that many people are aware of this in certain areas, like St. Augustine. I have had people come up and ask me what I would do if I find something old. Make sure you give the right answer so they will move on. "Oh, all the antique finds go directly to the state archeologists for assessment and classification!"

BTW, the areas behind resorts are NOT owned by the resort. They are borrowing YOUR beach to make money. So if they try to get me to leave, and are not polite, I stay and cover every inch of sand with a swing. I have only had one person say anything, I usually don't want to get too close to the cigar chewing New Yorkers anyway.

Jack

 

[954hunter]

That sounds like pretty good advice.

 

[newB Hunters]

Jack,

Wow that was way more than I expected and I appreciate that...there is so much is goobly gook and chasing your tail info. Now I have ideas and ready to see what someone has left behind (that is 50 yrs or less). I love the orange vest idea I could see that working quite well *grins. Have a great day and Happy Hunting!

Michael & Tammie

 

[chipveres]

Some state parks permit beach detecting from the high-tide mark to the toe of the dunes. Just ask the head ranger.

Chip V.

 

[ghost_rider]

Actually State codes and ordinance state that any coastal beach is fair game, between the water mark and the dunes, unless otherwise specified. This of course excludes the Keys. This is the only verbiage I have been able to find, from the state, pertaining to MD'ing.

Private property is the way to go in Florida since NO ONE can regulate or say anything, again this is in the state verbiage. There is plenty of private property surrounding and sometimes in the middle of State parks, a quick search of the local property appraiser web page will tell you the owners name and mailing address, which is all you need for permission.

 

[wreckdiver1715]

http://forum.treasurenet.com/index.php/topic,16144.0.html

 

[JP]

What an excellent idea.... I'm buying an orange vest.. that will keep a lot of the standard questions away.

One of the other important rules, always cover the holes, even try to camouflage it so that no one knows that you were there.

Another important rule, post some of your finds to give us all inspiration to get out and hunt also.

Good Luck.

 

[ivan salis]

hello -- your in luck being in jacksonvillle, florida -- we meet the second tuesday of the month at the picadillys at regency mall (monument st) at 7 pm the meeting starts --but most of us get there a bit early (say 6 to 630) and eat dinner before the meeting -- guest are welcome of course --- drop in get a dinner ( thats how we "pay" rent --for our meeting spot ) and meet lots of nice and helpful folks with great tips and info -- Ivan --(club historian)

 

[G.I.B.]

Actually State codes and ordinance state that any coastal beach is fair game, between the water mark and the dunes, unless otherwise specified. This of course excludes the Keys. This is the only verbiage I have been able to find, from the state, pertaining to MD'ing.

Here are the Florida State Park rules:

http://forum.treasurenet.com/index.php/topic,76615.0.html