Florida is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the United States and even the whole world. In fact there are miles and miles of beaches for you to explore as a family. With clear water, long days filled with sunshine and the best sand in the world you don’t want to miss them. I know a popular souvenir from a beach vacation is a small jar of sand. But can you take sand from Florida Beaches? Is it legal?
This is a simple question but it doesn’t have such a simple answer. Here is everything you need to know before you take sand from a beach in Florida and where the sand comes from. Plus a few other facts about the beaches in Florida and the sand that covers it.
This post may contain some affiliate links. This means I make a small profit from your purchase but at no increased cost to you. I only recommend products that I love and would purchase myself! Full disclaimer here.
Can you take sand from a beach in Florida?
The short answer is: don’t do it.
The long answer though is that it depends on individual local laws. There is no one overarching state law in Florida regarding taking sand from the beach. However many counties or cities have local laws prohibiting taking sand and implementing consequences for doing so.
Why can you not take sand from Florida beaches in some places?
Beach erosion is a real problem and it takes a while for sand to form. 48% of Florida beaches face critical erosion levels (UF). The Florida Department of Environmental Protection protects, preserves, and manages Florida coastline and they have left the decision of implementing and enforcing laws allowing or prohibiting the removal of sand from Florida beaches for personal use up to local governments.Â
We want to make sure we protect this natural resource to that the beach is there for years to come. So please be respectful and courteous of the local guidelines and leave the sand where it is. Instead consider taking pictures of the sand, buy fake commemorative sand from gift shops or simply take home a couple sea shells or sand dollars.
What happens if you take sand from a beach in florida?
Depending on local ordinance, some individual cities carry hefty fines or even jail time for taking sand. For example, the City of Clearwater does not allow the removal of any sand and this is enforceable by law enforcement officers (COC). Similarly the St. Augustine beach police department website askes that no sand or vegetation be removed from the beach (SAPD).
It is also never ok to take live animals (even ones living in shells) or a live sand dollar from the beach. Try to follow leave no trace principles and leave the beach better than you found it. Leave nothing behind that could harm local wildlife or the environment.
What Kind of Sand is on Florida Beaches? Where Does it Come From?
The sand on Florida’s beaches comes from quartz crystals formed into sand from the weathering and slow breakdown of major landforms such as the Appalachian mountains. It runs down the rivers and washes up on our beaches over time.
This white quartz sand combined with shells, fossils and organic matter lead to the different, darker colored sands you see throughout the beaches in Florida. The gulf coast has mostly white sand whereas the Atlantic coast has a greater diversity of sand types.
For example Cocoa Beach is a light gray, St. Augustine has tan and brown sand, Daytona Beach has orange sand from the coquina shell fragments mixed into the sand. Further down in south Florida in Miami or The Keys it becomes white to tan again.
Which Florida Beach on the Gulf Coast has the best sand?
Beaches on the Gulf Coast are popular for their shallow waters and the whitest sand around. I have to say Clearwater Beach has the best sand on the Gulf Coast. It is white and soft and absolutely beautiful. Although the beach is popular and therefore a little crowded it is very worth visiting to enjoy the pristine white sand beach and clear emerald water. It is one of my favorite gulf beaches to visit.
Which Florida beach on the Atlantic Coast has the best sand?
I haven’t been to as many beaches on the Atlantic coast but from talking to people that grew up on that side of Florida it has to be Amelia Island. This stunning beach destination has wonderfully soft sand that is perfect for spending the day on.
Beach Vacation in Florida
- Beach Vacation Packing List for Peace of Mind
- The Ultimate Guide to Beaches in and Around Tampa
- 13 Most Instagrammable Places in Miami, FL
Which Florida beach has the softest sand?
There are so many gorgeous beaches with powdery white sand in Florida but the softest sand has got to be in either Siesta Key Beach or Clearwater Beach. Both of which are some of the best beaches on the Gulf of Mexico and make a great place to get away.
White Sand Beaches in FL and Why is Some Florida Sand White?
There are several white-sand beaches all over Florida, the majority of them are on the Gulf Coast of Florida in the Northwestern portion of the state on the Florida panhandle.
- Pensacola beach
- Navarre beach
- Destin beaches
- Clearwater beach
- St. Pete beach
- Anna Maria island
- Siesta key
The white sand is formed from quartz crystal that comes from the Appalachian Mountains. The quartz sand is white, soft and stays cool despite the sunshine during the summer months.
Are there pink sand beaches in Florida?
No, Florida does not have any pink sand beaches. The closest pink sand beach to the sunshine state is on Harbour Island in the Bahamas, where you can find a three mile stretch of bright pink sand.
Are there any black sand beaches in Florida?
Yes, there is a nearly black sand beach in Florida. Venice, FL has dark gray beaches where you can also find shark teeth.
You can find true black sand beaches that have dark black volcanic sands in places Iceland, Hawaii and Bali, Indonesia.
How deep is Beach Sand in Florida?
The depth of sand varies by location all across the state. The depth ranges anywhere from 3 feet all the way up to 10 feet deep. That would be one deep hole you’d have to dig up to reach the next layer of sediment.
Taking Sand From Florida Beaches
So in the end in most places you cannot take sand from the beaches in Florida, and where you can, think twice before you do so that we can protect our beautiful shoreline. The state of Florida is beautiful and full of stunning destinations worth exploring, just don’t take the beach home with you. Instead visit again and again.
Pro beach tip: to keep the sand on the beach and not in your car you can use baby powder or cornstarch to easily get sand off your skin. Simply rub it over the sandy area and it will fall right off.
