Metal Detecting at Amelia Island
Nassau County · Northeast · City/County beach
Last verified:
The rules
The Fernandina Beach beach rules (City Code Ch. 90, Art. II) and Nassau County's beach rules (Ch. 23½, Art. II) don't mention metal detecting or digging on the open beach. Nassau County Sec. 23½-4(a)(2) bans digging, removing sand or excavating in county parks, which includes beachfront parks and parking areas. Fernandina Sec. 30-106 bans metal detectors in city cemeteries.
Permit: Not required
📞 Call ahead: 904-277-7300 (confirm the current rule before you go)
Why detect here
Historic Fernandina Beach area
Beach detecting here? You want a saltwater-capable machine and a long-handled sand scoop. The waterproof Minelab X-Terra Elite is the best value that handles wet salt sand. See the Minelab X-Terra Elite → All picks by budget →
More spots nearby: First Coast (Jacksonville to St. Augustine) · See the full Florida metal detecting laws · federal rules · which detector to buy
Source: City of Fernandina Beach Code of Ordinances, Ch. 90, Art. II (Beaches); Nassau County Code of Ordinances, Sec. 23½-2 and 23½-4. Verify against the managing authority before detecting.