Metal Detecting at Florida Keys
Monroe County · Keys · City/County beach
Last verified:
The rules
The Monroe County Code (Ch. 18, Parks and Recreation) doesn't mention metal detecting on county beaches. In Key West, City Code Sec. 110-29 requires anyone using a metal detector on city property to register any artifact found with the city historic district office within one business day. In the water, the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary rules (15 CFR 922.163(a)(3) and (a)(9)) ban altering the seabed and moving or removing historical resources. Keys state parks follow the designated-zone rule.
Permit: No county permit; Key West requires artifact registration; state parks need the park manager's designated zone
📞 Call ahead: 305-453-8748 (confirm the current rule before you go)
Why detect here
Keys public beaches
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: South Florida & the Keys · See the full Florida metal detecting laws · federal rules · which detector to buy
Source: Monroe County Code of Ordinances, Ch. 18; City of Key West Code of Ordinances, Sec. 110-29 (Excavations on city property); 15 CFR 922.163(a)(3), (a)(9). Verify against the managing authority before detecting.