Metal Detecting at Ocala / Marion County
Marion County · North Central · County land
Last verified:
The rules
Marion County Parks & Recreation requires a metal detecting park pass ($10 plus tax and fee) for any county-owned or managed park, and detecting is allowed only at the approved locations listed on its page. Detectors and digging tools are banned at Horseshoe Lake Park & Retreat, the Fort King National Historic Landmark, all county sports fields and other sensitive areas. Backfill every hole and report archaeological finds to a ranger. The county adopts park rules by resolution under Code Sec. 14-4.
Permit: Required: Marion County metal detecting park pass ($10 plus tax/admin fee)
📞 Call ahead: 352-671-8560 (confirm the current rule before you go)
Why detect here
Inland parks (permit gated)
Digging restricted here? A waterproof pinpointer finds a target's exact spot so you can check surface finds without cutting turf. The Garrett Pro-Pointer AT is the standard. See the Garrett Pro-Pointer AT → Detectors & gear by budget →
More spots nearby: Central Florida (inland parks) · See the full Florida metal detecting laws · federal rules · which detector to buy
Source: Marion County Parks & Recreation, 'Metal detecting passes' (rules adopted under Marion County Code Sec. 14-4). Verify against the managing authority before detecting.